Indiana Hoosiers star QB Fernando Mendoza is the projected No. 1 overall pick, but now the question is whether the Las Vegas Raiders will draft him. The Silver and Black are in a rebuild and need to start building a foundation with young talent.
While the Raiders finished at the bottom of the NFL standings during the 2025 season, leading to them picking at the top of the draft board, they do have a couple of building blocks like Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty.
Nonetheless, Las Vegas are missing the most important position, quarterback. Geno Smith is not the answer, and with Mendoza to be selected, the Raiders could have a franchise QB.
Although the 2026 NFL Draft isn’t until April, the Raiders will need to begin their process soon, which already started with the front office scouting Mendoza during the national title game against the Miami Hurricanes. With that in mind, former Raiders CEO Amy Trask shared her thoughts on taking the Indiana star No. 1 overall.
“If they believe [Mendoza] is the quarterback and if they believe he solves the issue at quarterback, then by all means draft him,” Trask said during a CBS Sports HQ appearance on Jan. 22. “That said, they may wish to explore what they could get in exchange for a first‑round pick. And I’m not suggesting they should do so if they believe he is the long‑term solution. But if they are at all quizzical about that, take a look at what you could get for that pick.”
Fernando Mendoza Will Need Help
Nonetheless, Trask also stated that the Raiders’ offensive line needs improvement to help Mendoza or whoever is under center. That unit for Las Vegas gave up the most sacks and did little in the running game. As a result, for Mendoza to be successful, should they select him, the Silver and Black need to pass protect better and have a more reliable running game.
“I will note, however, that, irrespective of who the next quarterback is, whether Mendoza or otherwise, this is the team that gave up the most sacks in the league this season and rushed for the fewest yards per game this season,” Trask added. “So, whoever your quarterback is, you’ve got to address those two things to best position him to be his best.”
Fernando Mendoza ‘Lock’ to Las Vegas
Although the Silver and Black will do their homework, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. believes the Raiders know they are selecting Mendoza, even though the scouting combine and the player’s pro day workout have yet to occur.
“Pretty much a lock for me,” Kiper said on the Jan. 21 edition of “Get Up.“ “… I mean, this kid cracked the code like he always talked about. He was spectacular throughout the season; he cut the sack total at Cal from 41 down to 18 during the regular season. He improved in the areas he needed to. Thirty‑five starts he benefited from, experience being the best future.
“Think about the biggest games, the Big Ten Championship Game, Ohio State, the three playoff games. He’s had 10 touchdowns, only one pick, nine passing, one rushing, and a 74 percent completion percentage. This kid is ready for the NFL because he benefited from 35 starts.”
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