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Raiders Draft Mendoza No.1, Trade Smith, Sign Cousins

5/2/2026

44 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Raiders Draft Mendoza

Las Vegas Raiders chose Fernando Mendoza No.1 in 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, 2026, 2025 Heisman who led Indiana to a 16-0 season, title, 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns.
Spytek said Mendoza’s April 1, 2026 pro day sealed pick, prompting Raiders to trade Smith to New York Jets and sign Cousins to two-year $12.6 million deal.
Raiders signed Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year $81 million, Nailor to a three-year $35 million, Brady advising room.

Summary

Mendoza Gets No.15

Tom Flores, former Raiders quarterback and Hall of Famer, approved rookie quarterback Mendoza’s request to wear No. 15.
Mendoza becomes the 11th Raider to wear No. 15, joining alumni such as Gardner Minshew and Kenny Pickett.
The Raiders also assigned jersey numbers to all ten 2026 draft picks, giving Jermod McCoy No. 28 and Malik Benson No. 19.
The approval contrasts with the Browns’ recent denial of No. 2 to rookie Shedeur Sanders.

History

Historical Context

On June 8 1966 the NFL and AFL announced a merger that took effect in 1970, creating a common draft and the AFC-NFC realignment. That draft system let the Oakland Raiders, led by Al Davis, build through early picks, a practice echoed today as the team selects Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza No. 1 in the 2026 draft.

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Raiders Draft Mendoza

Las Vegas Raiders chose Fernando Mendoza No.1 in 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, 2026, 2025 Heisman who led Indiana to a 16-0 season, title, 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns.
Spytek said Mendoza’s April 1, 2026 pro day sealed pick, prompting Raiders to trade Smith to New York Jets and sign Cousins to two-year $12.6 million deal.
Raiders signed Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year $81 million, Nailor to a three-year $35 million, Brady advising room.

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