The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The draft continues with additional rounds and picks scheduled throughout the weekend.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: 2025 Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers poses with The Heisman Memorial Trophy during a news conference at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 13, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NFL draft is finally underway as the first round kicked off on Thursday evening with the Las Vegas Raiders selecting former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall. But we have two more days, six more rounds and nine (barring trades) more Raiders draft picks to keep tabs on throughout the weekend. Below is a recap of the Raidersā picks so far, and updates will come as the picks are announced.
The second round will begin Friday at 4:00 p.m. PST and will air on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network. Day 3 or rounds four through seven will be on Saturday, starting at 9:00 a.m. PST, and will also air on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network.
No surprises here as Mendoza has been heavily linked to Las Vegas since the organization secured the No. 1 overall pick, and he won the National Championship in January. This should end the franchiseās four-year search for a successor to Derek Carr, as the Heisman Trophy winner will be the face of the Raidersā rebuild. Mendoza is expected to compete with Kirk Cousins for the Week 1 starting quarterback job and should take over that role at some point this season if he doesnāt win the position battle during training camp.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.
The second round of the 2026 NFL Draft begins on Friday at 4:00 p.m. PST.
The Raiders have nine picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, barring any trades.
Highlights from the 2026 NFL Draft Round 1: Top picks and surprises!
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