Raiders First Round Draft Reacts Survey: What is your draft grade for Fernando Mendoza

TL;DR

The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy Winner, is expected to rejuvenate the team's quarterback situation.

Key points

Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza as the number one pick in 2026 NFL Draft
Mendoza is the 2025 Heisman Trophy Winner
He led Indiana Hoosiers to their first national championship
This is the Raiders' first first-round quarterback since 2007
Fans are optimistic about Mendoza's future with play-caller Klint Kubiak

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Indiana Hoosiers

Fernando MendozaLas Vegas Raiders2026 NFL Draft

Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza is selected by the Las Vegas Raiders as the number one pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. 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. In today’s SB Nation Reacts, we ask Raider Nation to grade the pick of Fernando Mendoza. Let us know your thoughts in the survey below. Check out the latest NFL odds at Fanduel Sportsbook.

Q&A

What are the expectations for Fernando Mendoza with the Raiders?

Fernando Mendoza is expected to rejuvenate the Raiders' quarterback situation and bring optimism for the future.

How did Fernando Mendoza perform in college?

Fernando Mendoza won the 2025 Heisman Trophy and led the Indiana Hoosiers to their first-ever national championship.

When was the last time the Raiders selected a quarterback in the first round?

The Raiders last selected a quarterback in the first round in 2007.

Raiders First Round Draft Reacts Survey: What is your draft grade for Fernando Mendoza

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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