Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Raiders Draft Mendoza No.1, Brady to Mentor Rookie

4/25/2026

39 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Raiders Draft Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza will wear No. 15 and begin his rookie season behind veteran Kirk Cousins.
General manager John Spytek praised Mendoza’s size, accuracy and downfield vision as a perfect scheme fit.
The Raiders hired head coach Klint Kubiak, made major free-agency signings, and will have part-owner Tom Brady available to mentor Mendoza.

Summary

Mendoza Funds MS

Because his mother Elsa has multiple sclerosis, Mendoza stayed home for the draft and pledged $500,000 to MS research at the University of Miami Health System.
He and his family created the Mendoza Family Fund with the National MS Society to support research and services.
Brian Griese began coaching Mendoza on under-center mechanics and the West Coast offense to aid his Raiders transition.

History

Historical Context

In April 1998 the Indianapolis Colts used their first-overall pick at the NFL Draft in New York to select quarterback Peyton Manning, the franchise’s seventh top-overall choice and a catalyst for heavy quarterback investment. The NFL’s 2005 $500,000 partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society set a charitable precedent that 2026 Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza echoed with a matching pledge, linking marquee picks to philanthropy.

1 of 3

Raiders Draft Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza will wear No. 15 and begin his rookie season behind veteran Kirk Cousins.
General manager John Spytek praised Mendoza’s size, accuracy and downfield vision as a perfect scheme fit.
The Raiders hired head coach Klint Kubiak, made major free-agency signings, and will have part-owner Tom Brady available to mentor Mendoza.

1 / 3