Raiders Clinch No. 1 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft After Giants' Win, Who Should LV Pick?
Bleacher Report••general
Key Points:
- The Las Vegas Raiders secured the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft after the New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys, guaranteeing the Raiders the top selection regardless of their own season finale outcome.
- The Raiders are expected to use the first overall pick to select a quarterback, as current starter Geno Smith has struggled with 17 interceptions and is not seen as a long-term solution.
- The top quarterback prospects are Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Oregon's Dante Moore, who will face off in the College Football Playoff semifinals, providing a key evaluation opportunity for the Raiders' front office.
- Mendoza is ranked as the No. 1 quarterback prospect and noted for his pro readiness and accuracy, making him the likely choice
