Grading the pick: Las Vegas Raiders draft Fernando Mendoza and finally get what they have tried to get for years
The Las Vegas Raiders have their franchise guy for the first time in a very long time, and this time it’s because the Raiders had the No. 1 pick.
The Las Vegas Raiders had the No. 1 pick in the draft and ended up doing what everyone expected. They drafted their franchise quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Since they released Derrick Carr a few years ago under the McDaniels/Ziegler regime, they have struggled to have that.
Mendoza is 22 years old and just won the National Championship and Heisman Trophy at Indiana last season. Before that, he was at Cal in Berkley, which is near the former home of the Raiders. He knows how passionate his new fan base is, and now he’s officially a part of it. So, let’s grade the trade now that it’s official.
Raiders already accomplished what they needed to in 2026 NFL Draft
They have been trying to get their franchise QB for years. The Raiders have had two quarterbacks they really, really wanted over the last few years but failed to draft. First, they aimed to trade up with the Houston Texans to draft C.J. Stroud, but that effort fell short; their draft position was not high enough. Former general manager Dave Ziegler has since stated they really wanted Stroud. Stroud has proceeded to win playoff games and establish himself as a premier quarterback.
After missing out on Stroud, the Raiders tried to trade up with the Washington Commanders to pursue Jayden Daniels. Head coach Antonio Pierce wanted Daniels, given their connection from LA and Arizona State, but the Commanders refused to move. Daniels has since led his team to the NFC Championship.
Fernando Mendoza story coming in
I don’t think Fernando Mendoza could have had a better past year if he tried. After transferring from California to Indiana, he was viewed as an intriguing prospect but far from a first-round pick. He went on to lead the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 season and the program’s first-ever football national championship. If that wasn’t impressive enough, he was honored as college football’s best player by winning the Heisman.
Destin Adams
A to Z Sports Indiana
Final grade
The Las Vegas Raiders were never going to do anything else at No. 1. They got the best guy at the most important position in sports. So, I’d give this grade an A+. To be honest, there’s not much else to say. The Raiders are getting a winner.
GRADE: A+
