Fernando Mendoza Has Checked the Final Box for the Raiders

It has been clear what the Las Vegas Raiders want to do with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They have a huge hole at the quarterback position that they need to address. They plan to do that by selecting top quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana University.

The Silver and Black have been tied to Mendoza even before the end of their season last year. Mendoza has been the clear first overall pick, and the Raiders are going to be there to pick him.

Most have Mendoza going to the Raiders, and that is going to be the right pick for the Raiders.

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When you have a huge need at the quarterback position, one of the best places to address it is in the NFL Draft. That is when you could build the future with that quarterback, and that is what the Raiders are planning to do starting next year. Mendoza is not just any type of quarterback coming out of the draft. Mendoza is a Heisman Trophy and National Championship winner.

Fernando Mendoza participates in Indiana University's Pro Day at Mellencamp Pavilion on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Mendoza Looking to be the Best When it Counts the Most

The Raiders got to see their future quarterback on the field once again. This time it was at his pro day. Mendoza was great in his pro day, and he even showed the things that he has been working on this offseason. Mendoza wants to be the best quarterback he can be, but not right now, but when it counts the most in games that count. Mendoza has a certain process and a way he goes about developing, and he is following that leading up to the NFL season.

"Working under center. Learning West Coast concepts. So no matter what team I go to, I can apply those and work on the field with them, watch film about those concepts, so I can get a head start on day one," said Fernando Mendoza.

Mendoza is hungry for greatness and success at the next level. He wants to be the best, and he is working each day to get to the next level. Mendoza is the quarterback the Raiders need and have been waiting for. The Raiders have the right coaching staff for a rookie quarterback and the pieces to build around him.

Mendoza will be the first overall pick next month, and he will be a Raider, and they will get straight to work on the things they want to see him do and learn the offense. Head coach Klint Kubiak is going to be a happy head coach when the pick is in.

Feb 10, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak speaks at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images