Though the pre-draft process hasn’t even started, it’s not a well-kept secret that the Las Vegas Raiders are likely to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team has a need at quarterback, and he’s the only one worth taking with that high of a pick.
With that in mind, the Raiders need to surround him with more talent on offense. Tight end and running back are set, but the offensive line and wide receiver rooms need work. The Raiders may choose to address the offensive line in free agency, which means wide receiver could be the play in the second round for the team.
There will be some strong options, but Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman of The Athletic seem to have a player in mind. In a recent two-round mock draft, they projected the Raiders to select Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard with the No. 36 pick.
Bernard’s traits don’t jump off the page. He’s 6-foot-1 and doesn’t possess elite speed. That said, he’s been a productive player. Last season, he had 64 catches for 862 yards and seven touchdowns. He also added another two rushing touchdowns. He’s a dependable pass catcher to pair with Mendoza next season.
Bernard is Las Vegas Native
Bernard would likely be excited about the chance to play for the Raiders. He was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, and played high school football at Liberty High School in Henderson, which is where the Raiders’ headquarters is.
While it’s a fun story to draft a hometown hero, the Raiders need players who can get open. Despite not having elite speed, Bernard is an excellent route runner, according to Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson.
“Bernard is a refined route runner with precision cuts at the breaking point of his stem,” Parson wrote. “He understands pacing and leveraging to create pockets and space between himself and the defensive back. He excels at attacking defenses between the hashes in the MoF—in-breaking routes like dig, shallow crossers, slants, and deep over routes. He has a winnable release package against man coverage using his strength and hands to deflect the DB’s punches.”
Mendoza Still the Pick at No. 1?
There have been many suggestions that the Raiders trade down from the No. 1 pick to accumulate more draft picks. However, it’s rare to get the No. 1 pick, and the Raiders really need a quarterback.
In Baumgardner and Dochterman’s mock draft, they believe Las Vegas will hold onto the pick and select Mendoza.
“The Raiders ranked last in total offense this season. They not only need a quality quarterback, but also a franchise game changer,” Baumgardner and Dochterman wrote.
“Enter Mendoza, who blends the requisite rocket arm with every positive intangible teams desire. Don’t mistake his unbridled optimism for weakness — he’s as tough as any quarterback in the game.”
It’s true that the Raiders need an influx of talent, but finding a good right tackle is a lot easier than finding a franchise quarterback. If the team believes Mendoza is a franchise quarterback, they have to select him at No. 1.
Raiders Predicted to Land Highly Touted WR Who Is Las Vegas Native