Raiders Likely to Select Fernando Mendoza in Draft

Emerson Raymont

Published: April 9, 2026 12:10 AM ET

Raiders Likely to Select Fernando Mendoza in Draft

With the NFL Draft approaching, all eyes are on quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is heavily favored to be selected first overall. Currently, the odds for Mendoza to land this coveted spot are an astounding -20000. This development seems to imply that the Las Vegas Raiders will solidify their choice of Mendoza.

Raiders’ Decision at the Draft

The anticipation surrounding the Raiders’ selection intensified during quarterback Kirk Cousins’s introductory press conference. When asked about the team’s quarterback lineup, Cousins indicated that the Raiders would feature an all-Big Ten roster. This includes quarterbacks from Michigan State, Purdue, and Indiana, with Mendoza representing Indiana.

Past Surprises in the Draft

While it appears that the Raiders are poised to select Mendoza, history reminds us to expect the unexpected. Twenty-five years ago, the San Diego Chargers were expected to pick Michael Vick. However, last-minute negotiations fell through, leading the Atlanta Falcons to ultimately acquire the top draft pick.

Today’s draft environment involves fewer complexities in negotiations. Unless a surprising offer emerges, such as an extraordinary collection of draft picks, it is highly likely Mendoza will don a Raiders uniform.

Potential Trade Scenarios

Despite the certainty surrounding Mendoza, discussions about potential trades remain a possibility. A significant offer could lead the Raiders to postpone their quarterback selection until 2027, when a stronger draft class is expected. The Chicago Bears demonstrated this strategy in 2023. They exchanged their top pick with the Carolina Panthers while remaining committed to Justin Fields, only to target Caleb Williams the following year.