Raider Nation Gives Their Pick at No. 1

The Las Vegas Raiders are officially on the clock as they have the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Raiders have their option on what they want to do with the pick. The Raiders finally have the top choice in the draft, and what they do with it could determine what this franchise does for years to come on the field.

Raider Nation is the best and most loyal fanbase in all of football. Raider Nation gave their thoughts on what they want to see the Raiders do with the first overall pick.

Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders fan Javier Reyna aka Raider Javi reacts in the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Raiders Nation on First overall pick

"I think the pick, along with cap space, is the biggest lure for a new head coach. I don’t think Moore is the pick. Seems like Mendoza, and if the new coach thinks the kid is the future then I hope we hopefully have a new happy couple."

I think the pick, along with cap space, is the biggest lure for a new head coach. I don’t think Moore is the pick. Seems like Mendoza, and if the new coach thinks the kid is the future then I hope we hopefully have a new happy couple.
— Shaun Leggitt (@BiggLegg) January 5, 2026

Mendoza...

But I want a HC from the o side to go along with him...

Not a failed retread HC from the D side like Saleh or Flores who hated Tua...
— Bill Shepherd... (@MyGSDog_HavoK) January 5, 2026

Need a QB but listen to all offers for No. 1 pick.
— Derek Enderud (@denderud) January 4, 2026

First round QB hit rate is awful. IMO it’s better to trade back, gain some additional draft capital, and take a later 1R QB pick. If he hits, great. If he doesn’t, then at least we can still continue to build other positions. We are not a just a QB away from being a contender.
— Loki LaJett🏴‍☠️ (@LokiLajett) January 5, 2026

I mean, right now it has to be Mendoza, right? A lot can happen between now and April though. What about Drew Allar's recovery? What if a good vet QB (Burrow or Lamar) are up for trade? How about the OLine?
— Nathan Ingle (@Nateball40) January 5, 2026

Raiders fans are clearly all in on the quarterback position, but it is also fair to note the franchise has plenty of other significant needs. The Raiders had maybe the worst offensive line in football this year and still need to upgrade their offensive weapons to prepare their future quarterback for success.

With that said, the easiest path for the Raiders to climb back to a winning era of football is to find a true franchise quarterback they can build around for the long-term future. Without that, the Raiders will still be lost.

I like the idea of drafting Mendoza but would need to follow that up with a stud WR and both OL and DL picks. Or trade back if the Raiders get a ridiculous amount of picks for the #1 overall pick.
— Walter Silva (@RaiderWS) January 5, 2026

"Whatever it is, it needs to be the right call. Who am I to say what they should do. That’s why people get paid and I’m not one of them. Heh."

Whatever it is, it needs to be the right call. Who am I to say what they should do. That’s why people get paid and I’m not one of them. Heh.
— 𝚃𝚘𝚍𝚍 𝙰 (@CantonDog) January 4, 2026

I'm not sold on a #1 QB, many teams including us have swung and missed.
Can't we get a competent QB who has seen game snaps and trade for picks to draft OL and DL needs.
You can't have a good team without a good OL & DL, that's where our weakness is.

I'm not sold on a #1 QB, many teams including us have swung and missed.
Can't we get a competent QB who has seen game snaps and trade for picks to draft OL and DL needs.
You can't have a good team without a good OL & DL, that's where our weakness is.
— Noisy Boy (@joseph_spellicy) January 5, 2026

First time majority are on same dude- LFG!!!

First time majority are on same dude- 😅 LFG!!!
— 🏴‍☠️ RaiderZado 🏴‍☠️ (@R8derGooms) January 5, 2026

He seems to be the only trustworthy QB in this year's draft, and the Raiders needed a QB 5 years ago

He seems to be the only trustworthy QB in this year's draft, and the Raiders needed a QB 5 years ago
— Cory Sievers (@CorySievers111) January 5, 2026

Mendoza. He has the talent + You can’t teach character, the most important trait and it’s the most important position in football.

Mendoza. He has the talent + You can’t teach character, the most important trait and it’s the most important position in 🏈
— Nick Velazquez🇵🇷🇺🇸 (@CoachV_OHS) January 4, 2026

Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Las Vegas Raiders when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. Not only is it 100% FREE, but we also don’t spam you or sell your information. SIGN UP HERE NOW.

Find us on X (formerly Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and @EZTrez_SI and weigh in on the Raiders. While here, check out our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE to discuss the first overall pick.