The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the biggest need is an obvious one: Quarterback. The Raiders' No. 1 selection of Fernando Mendoza is pretty much signed, sealed and delivered.
Mendoza is an accurate passer and throws with impressive precision. He also displayed leadership skills in college that will make the Raiders comfortable in their investment of him.Las Vegas signed Kirk Cousins to be a bridge quarterback and mentor to the Heisman Trophy winner, more than his recent on-field success: Cousins finished tied for the most turnovers in the NFL in 2024, but he's familiar with Klint Kubiak from their three years together in Minnesota. MORE: Biggest need for every team entering 2026 NFL DraftHere's everything you need to know about the Las Vegas Raiders for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster.
Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft best prospect fit: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly: This one is a pretty direct mix of need and fit. The Raiders need a quarterback more than almost any other team in the league and Mendoza is the best fit possible. He'll start a new chapter for the team at the most important position and give Klint Kubiak a good quarterback to begin his head coaching career with.MORE: Finding the perfect prospect for every team Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft trade candidate: Edge Maxx Crosby Per USA TODAY's Jack McKessy: Obviously.
The Raiders already attempted to trade Crosby in a now-infamous transaction with the Baltimore Ravens that Baltimore nixed with medical concerns. If Las Vegas can find another trade partner for Crosby that would offer a similar package, it would have to listen, despite Crosby's seeming desire to stay. The Raiders could really use the extra picks to continue building up the roster around (presumed) incoming quarterback Fernando Mendoza.MORE: One player for all 32 teams who could be traded during the NFL draft Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft Picks by round Round 1 No. 1 (1.1) Round 2 No. 36 (2.4) Round 3 No. 67 (3.3) Round 4 No. 102 (4.2) No. 117 (4.17) from Vikings via Jaguars No. 134 (4.34) Compensatory pick Round 5 No. 175 (5.35) Compensatory pick Round 6 No. 185 (6.4) No. 208 (6.27) from Bills via Jets Round 7 No. 219 (7.3)This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Las Vegas Raiders 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, biggest needs, best fit and trade predictions