The Las Vegas Raiders may act like they’re not sure what they’re going to do with the No. 1 pick in the weeks leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft (April 23-25 in Pittsburgh).
Those around the league, however, believe Vegas’ plan is clear. For a story published Sunday, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler asked eight NFL scouts/executives what the Raiders will do with the top pick. All voted that the team will keep it and select Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (6-foot-5, 225 pounds).
Why league insiders believe the Raiders will target Fernando Mendoza in the NFL Draft
“The Raiders’ roster is bad, but Mendoza is the best player in the draft, and it’s not close,” an NFC executive said. “You can’t pass that up. He’s accurate to all levels of the field with a good arm, plus size and good character.”
This past season, the Raiders started QB Geno Smith, whom they acquired in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks in March 2025. He flopped, going 2-13 in 15 starts and tossing a league-leading 17 interceptions.
Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman winner, could give new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak an upgrade at the most important position. He led the Hoosiers to their first national title in football this past season, throwing an FBS-leading 41 touchdown passes.
Some Raiders players may find Mendoza’s personality eccentric. Vegas defensive end Maxx Crosby poked fun at the 22-year-old QB for his postgame interview after the Hoosiers upset the Buckeyes 13-10 in the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game.
However, Mendoza’s personality may work to his advantage in Vegas, which needs a breath of fresh air after going 7-27 over its last 34 games.
“That can be his superpower,” another NFC executive told Fowler. “He’s really that focused, and I think guys will gravitate toward that.”
And while Crosby has kidded the QB for his speeches, he’s made it clear he believes Mendoza has what it takes to succeed in the NFL.
“[Mendoza] is talented. He is a big quarterback. He could make all the big throws,” the DE said on his podcast in December 2025 (h/t Raiders on SI’s Michael Canelo). “An underrated athlete. So big shout-out to him. And his speeches are all-time.”
The Raiders will want to get to know Mendoza better at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, which starts on Monday. But all he may have to do at this point is show up for interviews and give cookie-cutter answers. Vegas taking him with the No. 1 pick nearly feels like a forgone conclusion.
