The 2026 NFL Draft for the Las Vegas Raiders begins on April 23, with a focus on selecting a quarterback. Fernando Mendoza is expected to be their top pick, supported by Kirk Cousins as a bridge quarterback.
Key points
2026 NFL Draft starts on April 23
Las Vegas Raiders need a quarterback
Fernando Mendoza is the expected top pick
Kirk Cousins signed as a bridge quarterback
Mentioned in this story
Pittsburgh
Las Vegas Raiders
The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the biggest need is an obvious one: Quarterback.
The Raiders' No. 1 selection of Fernando Mendoza is pretty much signed, sealed and delivered. Mendoza is an accurate passer and throws with impressive precision. He also displayed leadership skills in college that will make the Raiders comfortable in their investment of him.
Las Vegas signed Kirk Cousins to be a bridge quarterback and mentor to the Heisman Trophy winner, more than his recent on-field success: Cousins finished tied for the most turnovers in the NFL in 2024, but he's familiar with Klint Kubiak from their three years together in Minnesota.
Here's everything you need to know about the Las Vegas Raiders for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster.
Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft best prospect fit: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:
This one is a pretty direct mix of need and fit. The Raiders need a quarterback more than almost any other team in the league and Mendoza is the best fit possible. He'll start a new chapter for the team at the most important position and give Klint Kubiak a good quarterback to begin his head coaching career with.
What is the Las Vegas Raiders' biggest need for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Raiders' biggest need is a quarterback.
Who is expected to be the Raiders' top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the Raiders' top pick.
What role will Kirk Cousins play for the Raiders in 2026?
Kirk Cousins will serve as a bridge quarterback and mentor to Fernando Mendoza.
When does the 2026 NFL Draft start for the Las Vegas Raiders?
The 2026 NFL Draft starts on April 23, 2026.
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Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Jaxson Dart #6 and Cam Skattebo #44 of the New York Giants celebrate after Skattebo carried the ball into the endzone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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Head coach Brian Callahan talks with Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona.
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Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott #4 and CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after their touchdown connection against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on November 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
Las Vegas Raiders
Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after a missed field goal during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 07, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Miami Dolphins
De'Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins rushes for yards against Brandin Echols #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of the game at Acrisure Stadium on December 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid interact against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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Head coach Aaron Glenn of the New York Jets looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between New York Jets and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on August 09, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
1 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
New Orleans Saints
Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
1 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
New Orleans Saints
Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
2 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders celebrates with Jayden Daniels #5 after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.
3 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
New York Giants
Jaxson Dart #6 and Cam Skattebo #44 of the New York Giants celebrate after Skattebo carried the ball into the endzone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
4 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
Tennessee Titans
Head coach Brian Callahan talks with Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona.
5 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
6 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott #4 and CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after their touchdown connection against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on November 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
7 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
Las Vegas Raiders
Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after a missed field goal during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 07, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
8 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
Miami Dolphins
De'Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins rushes for yards against Brandin Echols #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of the game at Acrisure Stadium on December 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
9 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid interact against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
10 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
New York Jets
Head coach Aaron Glenn of the New York Jets looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between New York Jets and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on August 09, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft trade candidate: Edge Maxx Crosby
Per USA TODAY's Jack McKessy:
Obviously. The Raiders already attempted to trade Crosby in a now-infamous transaction with the Baltimore Ravens that Baltimore nixed with medical concerns. If Las Vegas can find another trade partner for Crosby that would offer a similar package, it would have to listen, despite Crosby's seeming desire to stay. The Raiders could really use the extra picks to continue building up the roster around (presumed) incoming quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
