Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza No. 9 in ESPN 2026 NFL Draft picks ranking
The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a choice ranked as the ninth-best selection by ESPN's Matt Miller. Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, was praised for his poise, accuracy, decision-making, and mobility, marking him as potential franchise quarterback material. Despite acquiring Kirk Cousins in free agency and trading Geno Smith to the New York Jets, the Raiders prioritized drafting a long-term quarterback.
- ▪Fernando Mendoza was selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- ▪ESPN's Matt Miller ranked the Raiders' selection of Mendoza as the ninth-best pick in the draft.
- ▪Mendoza won the 2025 Heisman Trophy and was highly regarded for his arm talent, precision, and mobility.
- ▪The Raiders traded Geno Smith to the New York Jets before drafting Mendoza.
- ▪Players selected ahead of Mendoza in ESPN's ranking include Caleb Downs, Mansoor Delane, and Omar Cooper Jr.
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