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Raiders Pick Cuban-American Heisman Winner Mendoza First

4/24/2026

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Summary

Mendoza Drafted

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, 2026.
Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman winner who led Indiana to a 16-0 season, becomes the first Cuban-American No.1 pick and the Indiana No.1 pick since 1938.
After signing Kirk Cousins, the Raiders expect Mendoza to compete for the starting job under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak, with Tom Brady to mentor him.

Summary

Raiders Secure #1

The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, only the second time the franchise has possessed that slot.
The Raiders previously used a No. 1 selection in 2007 to draft former LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
After the top pick, the team has nine additional selections and plans to add another receiver besides tight end Brock Bowers while bolstering the interior defensive line and secondary.

History

Historical Context

The Oakland Raiders selected JaMarcus Russell first overall in the 2007 NFL Draft, following a dismal 2-14 season. Russell, a former LSU quarterback, signed a six-year, $68 million contract but became one of the biggest busts in NFL history. This decision reflects the franchise's ongoing struggle to find a franchise quarterback, a challenge echoed in their 2026 selection of Fernando Mendoza.

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Mendoza Drafted

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, 2026.
Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman winner who led Indiana to a 16-0 season, becomes the first Cuban-American No.1 pick and the Indiana No.1 pick since 1938.
After signing Kirk Cousins, the Raiders expect Mendoza to compete for the starting job under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak, with Tom Brady to mentor him.

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