Story perspectives

Raiders Draft Heisman QB Mendoza, Sign Cousins as Mentor

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
They signed quarterback Kirk Cousins as a bridge starter to mentor Mendoza.
Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, carries a projected 2026 cap of $10.6 million.
In the third round, the Raiders drafted tackle Trey Zuhn III, who earned a 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, the Jacobs Blocking Trophy and the FBS pass-blocking grade of 96.8.

History

Historical Context

In the 2000 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Michigan quarterback Tom Brady with the 199th pick in the sixth round, a move that sparked a dynasty that won seven Super Bowls through 2019. The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2026 first-overall pick of Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza echoes that a single draft choice can reshape a franchise, just as Brady’s low-profile start transformed New England.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
They signed quarterback Kirk Cousins as a bridge starter to mentor Mendoza.
Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, carries a projected 2026 cap of $10.6 million.
In the third round, the Raiders drafted tackle Trey Zuhn III, who earned a 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, the Jacobs Blocking Trophy and the FBS pass-blocking grade of 96.8.

1 / 2