Mel Kiper Jr. Tabs Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza as Raiders’ Top Choice in 2026 NFL Draft
If you’re the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the name on your whiteboard is probably already inked in: Fernando Mendoza. The Indiana quarterback just wrapped up one of the most dominant college football seasons we’ve seen in a long time-Heisman Trophy, national championship, undefeated record.
The trifecta. And now, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. is making it clear: Mendoza should be the first name called in April.
Kiper didn’t mince words in his latest mock draft. “This is an easy one,” he wrote, pointing to Mendoza as the clear choice for a Raiders team that’s desperate for a reset at quarterback. And after a 3-win season that earned them the top pick, it’s hard to argue.
Raiders Hit the Reset Button
Let’s be honest-the Geno Smith experiment in Vegas didn’t go as planned. The Raiders traded a third-round pick to bring him in, hoping he could stabilize the position under head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
But what unfolded was more chaos than cohesion. Smith finished the 2025 season ranked 27th out of 28 qualified quarterbacks in QBR, throwing 17 interceptions across 15 games.
That’s not just a tough season-that’s a flashing red light for change.
With Carroll out, a new head coach incoming, and Tom Brady still lurking as a minority owner, the Raiders are in full rebuild mode. And Mendoza offers a chance to hit the reset button in a big way.
Mendoza Checks Every Box
There are always questions when a college star makes the leap to the NFL. But Mendoza’s tape tells a story that goes beyond stats and accolades. Kiper sees it too: “Great ball placement,” he noted, calling Mendoza a “no-brainer” to kick off Round 1.
It’s not just the clean mechanics or the sharp reads-it’s the poise under pressure. Mendoza’s defining moment came in the national title game, when he barreled into the end zone with everything on the line.
It wasn’t just a touchdown; it was a statement. That kind of grit doesn’t show up on a spreadsheet, but it’s the stuff NFL teams crave.
Add in his ability to lead, his command of the offense, and the fact that he just completed one of the most decorated seasons in college football history, and you start to see why this pick feels like a lock.
Building Blocks in Vegas
Mendoza wouldn’t be walking into a bare cupboard, either. The Raiders have some intriguing young pieces on offense-running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers among them. That trio could form the foundation of a new-look offense in Vegas, one that finally has some direction after years of instability.
And with Oregon’s Dante Moore opting to stay in school for another year, the path to the top of the draft is wide open for Mendoza. He’s not just the best quarterback available-he’s the best player. Period.
The Bottom Line
The Raiders need a fresh start. Fernando Mendoza offers exactly that.
He’s got the résumé, the tools, and the leadership to be the face of a franchise. And if Mel Kiper Jr. is right-and he often is-Las Vegas won’t hesitate when they’re on the clock in April.
This could be the beginning of something big in the desert.