NFL executives had some very strong words about the Las Vegas Raiders and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
There’s just no way the Raiders pass up on the opportunity to draft Mendoza.
It’s no secret the Las Vegas Raiders need a quarterback.
Since moving on from Derek Carr, the Raiders have started eight different quarterbacks, cycling through options like Jimmy Garoppolo and now Geno Smith. It’s time for them to find a long-term answer for the position.
They’re not trading the pick. The Raiders have a rare chance to draft Fernando Mendoza, Indiana’s Heisman- and National Championship-winning quarterback. Other NFL executives agree: they’ve waited too long for this opportunity.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler gathered strong feedback from NFL executives about the No. 1 pick.
“Never say never, but never,” an AFC executive told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler about the Raiders moving from the top pick.
The Raiders won’t pass this up—they’ve repeatedly failed to land a franchise quarterback. They reportedly attempted to draft Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud and later tried for Washington Commanders QB Jaden Daniels.
This is their chance: no one can trade ahead of them or refuse to deal with them. The Raiders need a quarterback—especially to mask weaknesses elsewhere on the roster.
“The Raiders’ roster is bad, but Mendoza is the best passer in the draft, and it’s not close,” an NFC executive told Fowler. “You can’t pass that up. He’s accurate to all levels of the field with a good arm, plus-size, and good character.”
It doesn’t hurt that Mendoza and new head coach Klint Kubiak are also a match made in heaven in terms of their personalities and play/coaching styles.
“That can be his superpower,” a separate NFC executive told Fowler about Mendoza’s demeanor. “… He’s really that focused, and I think guys will gravitate toward that.”
When the Raiders are on the clock to start the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, it’s clear Mendoza will be the pick for the Silver and Black—no other team has this shot.
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