Las Vegas Raiders Draft Fernando Mendoza First Overall

The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN reported that Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions in his only season at Indiana University, where he led the team to the Big Ten championship and the College Football Playoff National Championship.

The Raiders also hired Klint Kubiak as head coach during the offseason.

They traded Geno Smith to the New York Jets and signed Kirk Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, to a one-year contract worth $20 million fully guaranteed with a club option for two additional years at $80 million. In the draft the Raiders added running back Mike Washington Jr. in the fourth round and wide receiver Malik Benson in the sixth round.

Washington rushed for 1,070 yards and scored eight touchdowns at Arkansas. The team signed wide receivers Jalen Nailor to a three-year, $35 million deal and Dareke Young to a one-year, $1.8 million contract. Notable departures included quarterback Kenny Pickett, who signed a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, along with wide receiver Tyler Lockett and running backs Zamir White and Raheem Mostert.

Running back Ashton Jeanty recorded 1,321 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns as a rookie. Mendoza is the first quarterback the Raiders have drafted in the first round since 2007. The team is scheduled to report for training camp on July 28.