The Las Vegas Raiders have the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and at this point, it would be a massive shock if Fernando Mendoza was not the first selection. He seems to check all the boxes of a top QB prospect and can truly do a little bit of everything.
He and the Indiana Hoosiers are also just one win away from the national title. Much of their success this year has been due to Mendoza and how poised he's been. He's deadly accurate, can win from the pocket, but can also create with his legs.
As we approach the 2026 NFL Draft in April, Mendoza's name is only going to grow, and this really feels like something not even the Raiders themselves can mess up. Let's get into a Raiders mock draft for 2026. Who else should they take after Mendoza?
1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza is not only plenty good enough to be the first overall pick, but he could finally be the QB that solves this issue for the Raiders. Mendoza seems to be a rather polished prospect overall. I would expect that the rest of the throwing we see him do between the CFP final and the NFL Scouting Combine will only reinforce this idea.
36. A'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
The Las Vegas Raiders need some help in the trenches in both sides of the ball, and I would not be shocked if this team entertained trade offers for Maxx Crosby. We'll operate as if the Raiders are keeping Crosby. A'Mauri Washington is a first-round caliber defensive tackle prospect and is a good player at a hugely important position for an NFL team.
67. Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Double-dipping along the defensive line is a wise idea. Akheem Mesidor is the third-round pick here for the Raiders. This team has other needs outside of QB - being more stout up front and creating more pressire on opposing QBs is how this team willl get out of the mud and compete for AFC West titles in 2026 and beyond.
You really could not script a better start for the Raiders in this mock draft.
102. Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
With 41 games at the collegiate level, Malik Muhammad gives the Raiders and experienced player on the backend of the defense. It has seemed like for years now that the team has been missing key talent in the secondary. Defenses are beginning to get an edge again in the NFL after that short period when the downfield passing was at an all-time high.
But the Raiders still have to invest in the secondary, as the AFC West has three other franchise QBs who can do damage with their arm.
128. Austin Barber, OT, Florida
Austin Barber can be groomed to play both tackle spots in the NFL. He's a legitimate prospect and another wise selection by the Raiders front office here. In 2025, the Raiders offensive line was among the worst in the NFL, but that unit does have a good bit of talent.
135. Matt Gulbin, OC, Michigan State
Four out of the last five picks for the Raiders in this mock draft have been in the trenches - it's a clear area of emphasis, and a wise one. Vegas gets some center help and takes Matt Gulbin from Michigan State at pick 135.
173. Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
For Illinois in 2025, Gabe Jacas had 13.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, so this player can get into the backfield with ease. Another sound pick here for Vegas.
179. Bud Clark, S, TCU
With 15 career interceptions in 61 career college games, Bud Clark from TCU is another experienced defensive back who could be a quick learn in the NFL for the Raiders.
182. Lewis Bond, WR, Boston College
The one thing that could make this mock draft unrealistic is the lack of a WR pick until now, but the Raiders still do have Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, and it's not like they can't dip into the free agency market.
What could be a wise idea is signing a couple of veteran receivers to help Mendoza adjust into the NFL, perhaps then addressing WR at the end of 2026 and into 2027.
217. Behren Morton, QB, Texas Tech
This could be a fun selection for the Raiders as someone who could develop into a backup QB. Behren Morton has five years of collegiate experience under his belt.