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Raiders Go A+ with Mendoza First, Deep Draft

4/29/2026

Summary

Raiders Draft Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders chose quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Raiders added Treydan Stukes (2nd), Keyron Crawford and Trey Zuhn III (3rd), Jermod McCoy and Mike Washington Jr. (4th), Dalton Johnson and Hezekiah Masses (5th), Malik Benson (6th) and Brandon Cleveland (7th).
EasySportz analyst gave the Raiders' draft an A+ grade, citing its balance, depth and turnaround potential.

Summary

Raiders Trade Picks

The Raiders traded No.185 to Tampa Bay for No.195 and No.229 and selected wide receiver Malik Benson at No.195.
Cornerback Jermod McCoy, who tore his ACL in January 2025, slid to the fourth round, a high-risk, high-reward pick.
Newsweek reported Raiders fans were the most optimistic of any franchise after the draft.
Silver and Black Pride said Day 3 trades gave Las Vegas depth at receiver and back despite a thin secondary.

Summary

Cousins Starts

Management will sit No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza and start veteran Kirk Cousins in 2026.
Cornerbacks Hezekiah Masses and Jermod McCoy will be the earliest rookies to play.
Officials may push McCoy toward surgery because they view it as a long-term health move.
Scouting director Brandon Yeargan called running back Mike Washington Jr. a solid, underrated fit for Kubiak’s scheme.
Players Treydan Stukes and Dalton Johnson sit behind veterans, limiting immediate defensive impact.

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Raiders Draft Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders chose quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Raiders added Treydan Stukes (2nd), Keyron Crawford and Trey Zuhn III (3rd), Jermod McCoy and Mike Washington Jr. (4th), Dalton Johnson and Hezekiah Masses (5th), Malik Benson (6th) and Brandon Cleveland (7th).
EasySportz analyst gave the Raiders' draft an A+ grade, citing its balance, depth and turnaround potential.

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