Fernando Mendoza Awaits Raiders' Call at No. 1 and the 2026 Draft Is Finally Here

It's draft day in Pittsburgh, and the Las Vegas Raiders are about to make the biggest decision of their offseason. After a brutal 3-14 season, the Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick and Fernando Mendoza is the expected target. Tonight, we find out if Vegas pulls the trigger on the Alabama QB or if there's a last-minute curveball nobody saw coming.

Mendoza is a Top-End Prospect in Any Class

This isn't just another first-round QB. Mendoza grades out as a top-end prospect by any standard, which is why the Raiders have him circled at No. 1. The organization watched a 3-14 disaster unfold and they're ready to rebuild around a franchise QB. Everything points to Mendoza being the pick, but draft day has a way of surprising you.

The First Round Goes Down Tonight

The 2026 NFL Draft order is locked in, and it's happening right now in Pittsburgh. The Raiders get first crack at Mendoza, but teams across the league are watching. Next up in the order: the New York Jets at No. 2, followed by Arizona, Tennessee, the Giants, Cleveland, Washington, New Orleans, Kansas City, and another Giants pick at No. 10. Every team in that top ten is looking to address major needs, and there's still the mystery of who else could jump into the first round conversation.

The Mystery Man of This Year's Draft

Like last year when the Browns' QB was the unknown commodity, this year has its own subplot. Alabama QB Ty Simpson could be the right fit for seven potential teams depending on how the board falls. That kind of variance means teams are still evaluating, still questioning, still making last-minute calls.

Get ready for a long night. The first round is rolling out now, and every pick matters. Stay locked in for all the latest updates from Pittsburgh.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.