Raiders take Fernando Mendoza with No. 1 pick in NFL draft
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- The Las Vegas Raiders selected former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, marking their first first-round quarterback selection since 2007.
- Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, led Indiana to a 16-0 record and the program's first national title, finishing with career highs in passing yards, touchdowns, completion rate, and QBR.
- The Raiders secured the top pick after a 3-14 season under former coach Pete Carroll, who was fired after one year, and traded away former starter Geno Smith.
- Raiders owner Mark Davis emphasized the decision to hire coach Klint Kubiak partly to develop a top offensive player like Mendoza, who has already met with the team multiple times.
- Mendoza expressed excitement about joining the Raiders and proving himself at the NFL level, highlighting his transition from a three-star recruit to a top draft pick.
