The Las Vegas Raiders have to feel even better about getting the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in hindsight. Previously, it was thought that only two quarterbacks would be worth taking in the first round: Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore.
Mendoza could technically stay in college for another year, but it seems like a foregone conclusion that he’ll declare for the draft. Moore’s status was much more in question. He was expected to be a top-five draft pick this year, but struggled in the College Football Playoff, which led to a lot of speculation about his future.
Well, Moore has finally made a decision. He announced that he is returning to Oregon for another year.
“When it comes to me just making my decision, of course I want to feel most prepared and what’s best for my situation, especially as a quarterback,” Moore said on ESPN. “And with my decision, it’s been very tough. I prayed a lot about it, talked to many people, my mentors, and people I just look up to, and with that being said, of course I’ll be coming back to Oregon for one more year, being able to play for the Oregon Ducks and reach our goal and be national champions.”
What Moore’s Decision Means for Raiders
It has been widely expected that the Raiders would take Mendoza with the No. 1 pick, but Moore being in the draft would’ve made things more interesting. He’s the more physically gifted of the two, and his upside could’ve convinced the Raiders to take him over the Heisman Trophy winner.
Now that Moore is staying in college, the Raiders’ decision is much easier if they stay at No. 1. Mendoza was likely going to be the pick either way, but now that he’s the only quarterback worth taking in the first round, things could get interesting for Las Vegas.
Could Raiders Consider Trading No. 1 Pick?
The Raiders have a desperate need at quarterback, so nobody is going to question if they take Mendoza with the No. 1 pick, but there are many teams in the NFL that also need a quarterback. If Las Vegas is 100% sold on Mendoza as the future of the franchise, they could consider auctioning the pick off to the highest bidder.
How much would the New York Jets be willing to pay just to move up one spot? They’d likely at least be willing to give up next year’s first-round pick, which, knowing their track record, could easily be another top-10 pick. They also have additional first-round picks from the Sauce Gardner trade.
The Arizona Cardinals pick at No. 3, and they appear done with Kyler Murray. Could they be willing to give up a massive haul to get Mendoza? It’s certainly possible.
That said, the Raiders need a quarterback just as bad as those other teams. There’s no guarantee they’ll be able to find one next year. Unless they really don’t like Mendoza that much, there’s almost no way they’ll consider moving down in the draft.
Raiders Receive Significant QB Draft News That Could Change Thinking