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Fantasy Football Video: Will the Raiders reunite Fernando Mendoza with an Indiana WR in the 2026 NFL Draft?
TL;DR
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. There is speculation that they may also draft Indiana WR Elijah Sarratt in the third round to enhance Mendoza's support.
When the clock starts for the Las Vegas Raiders, with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza will be the player selected by the franchise.
But might the Raiders and new head coach Klint Kubiak look to pair Mendoza with a familiar wide receiver from the Hoosiers in the NFL?
Matt Harmon was joined by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler on a recent episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast to discuss his favorite mock draft targets and whether the Raiders will add an Indiana wideout in the middle rounds of the draft.
The Hoosiers WR Brugler has mocked to the Raiders in the third round is Elijah Sarratt, who is coming off an impressive senior season with Indiana en route to a national title. Sarratt had a clear connection with Mendoza and Brugler believes it’s important to build some continuity and chemistry for a young QB. Sarratt could provide Mendoza with a safety net.
Sarratt had 65 catches for 830 and a team-leading 15 touchdowns last season. While quiet in the national title game against Miami, Sarratt had two scores against Oregon in the College Football Playoff semifinals to go with seven catches and 75 yards.
Harmon definitely sees the connection on paper on back-shoulder throws. One thing that could get in the way of the Raiders investing in a wideout early-ish in the draft is Jack Bech, who was a second-rounder from 2025.
Harmon points to the similarities in potential role for Sarratt and Bech — both are big receivers who could do well operating out of the slot. So would the Raiders prefer to draft Sarratt or roll the dice on Year 2 with Bech? Sarratt’s resume certainly makes him an appealing pick.
The 6-foot-2 wideout totaled 44 touchdowns over four seasons in college playing for St. Francis, then James Madison, and finishing his career with two seasons in Bloomington. Brugler believes the TD production is a key selling point for Sarratt’s draft stock and should definitely be appealing to GMs during the draft.
Yahoo analyst Justin Boone released his rookie rankings for dynasty fantasy football in early April. Boone has Sarratt ranked 17th overall, coming in as the WR9 in dynasty.
Q&A
Who is Fernando Mendoza and why is he a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Fernando Mendoza is the Indiana quarterback projected to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft due to his impressive performance and potential.
What are Elijah Sarratt's stats from his senior season at Indiana?
Elijah Sarratt had 65 catches for 830 yards and a team-leading 15 touchdowns during his senior season at Indiana.
How could drafting Elijah Sarratt benefit Fernando Mendoza in the NFL?
Drafting Elijah Sarratt could provide Fernando Mendoza with a familiar target, enhancing their chemistry and offering a safety net for the young quarterback.
