The Las Vegas Raiders have been destined to select quarterback Fernando Mendzoa with the No. 1 pick for months now, but there’s been some intrigue with what they could do the rest of the draft. There’s been speculation that they could trade back into the first round to try to reunite Mendoza with Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
However, the Raiders do have a pick early in the second round, so they might not need to trade up to get a player they want. According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, the team has already come to the decision that they won’t be trading back up into the first round.
“The 2026 draft might be the most difficult to predict in a long time, but it won’t start that way,” Miller wrote. “There are no surprises coming at No. 1: Mendoza will be the first selection and the Raiders are thrilled to have him. The biggest question might be what the Raiders plan to do with their remaining nine picks. I’m told the Raiders don’t anticipate a move back into Round 1 from pick No. 36 given the lack of players with a true first-round grade in this class. The Raiders view any player available late in Round 1 as similarly graded to the players who will be available at 36.”
Who Could Raiders Target in Round 2?
If the Raiders do stay put in Round 2, there should be plenty of good players to choose from. Wide receiver has been a position the team is commonly linked to. The Athletic’s Sam Warren thinks Washington’s Denzel Boston would be the top option for the Raiders in Round 2.
“Las Vegas should spend many of its picks after No. 1 trying to help their new franchise centerpiece,” Warren wrote. “That will include grabbing a receiver capable of making the plays Mendoza excelled at in college: downfield shots and back-shoulder throws. Boston is one of the best at making contested catches in this draft. He’ll be an enticing option if available at pick No. 36.”
Defensive tackle is also a glaring need. Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald could be the best player at the position available when the Raiders pick.
“Defensive tackle isn’t the sexy pick at No. 36, but it could be the right one,” McDonald wrote. “The Raiders are in need of a nose tackle to aid and eventually supplant veteran interior linemen Adam Butler and Thomas Booker. McDonald’s elite run defense would make an impact right away, and he could develop as a pass rusher. He’ll be atop Las Vegas’ rankings for the position and under consideration for its second pick, if available.”
All About Mendoza
This draft class could have major ramifications for the future of the Raiders. While it’s possible they’ll find several impact players, Mendoza is the most important player in the class.
If he hits, the Raiders have a chance to be very good very fast. If he just isn’t good enough to compete in an AFC that’s loaded with quarterback talent, then Las Vegas will continue its losing ways. Having the right quarterback makes the entire roster better.
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