Raiders draft grades Reacts survey: Grading the full 2026 class

TL;DR

The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, marking their first QB pick in the first round since 2007. The draft also included defensive players, notably Jermod McCoy, despite injury concerns.

Key points

Raiders selected QB Fernando Mendoza in the first round
Mendoza is the 2025 Heisman Trophy Winner
Raiders also drafted defensive players, including Jermod McCoy

Mentioned in this story

Klint Kubiak

Las Vegas RaidersFernando MendozaJermod McCoy

Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the Festival of Football at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images *Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Raiders fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.* The Las Vegas Raiders started a new era on Thursday night on day one of the 2026 NFL draft. They took their first quarterback in the first round since 2007 by selecting Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. Mendoza is the 2025 Heisman Trophy Winner and helped lead the Hoosiers to their first-ever national championship. Mendoza will spark the fanbase, which has been quarterback-starved since Derek Carr’s departure. With a young quarterback in place, there is optimism for the future, especially when paired with top play-caller Klint Kubiak. Kubiak has maximized every QB he has coached and called plays for, and fans are expecting the same for Mendoza. The rest of the draft was full of defensive players, with the best one being Jermod McCoy. McCoy’s injury is a concern, but the value of selecting him in the fourth round could pay big dividends. In today’s SB Nation Reacts, we ask Raider Nation, how would you grade the Raiders’ 2026 NFL draft? Let us know in the survey below *Check out* ***FanDuel****, the official* ***sportsbook*** *partner of SB Nation.*

Q&A

Who did the Raiders draft in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft?

The Raiders drafted quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana.

What impact is Fernando Mendoza expected to have on the Raiders?

Mendoza is expected to spark optimism in the fanbase as a young quarterback, especially under play-caller Klint Kubiak.

What other players did the Raiders select in the 2026 NFL draft?

The Raiders focused on defensive players, with Jermod McCoy being the standout selection despite injury concerns.