It's clear that the Las Vegas Raiders have a plan in place.
Over the last few months, the Raiders have laid the ground work to build their franchise back up after years of dysfunction. Entering a new era under head coach Klint Kubiak, the Raiders made several offseason roster improvements to get their rebuild rolling.
Now, the Raiders have their quarterback. After months of speculation, the Raiders officially selected Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the 1st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Adding Mendoza continues Las Vegas' path to success, and it sends a clear message to the rest of the AFC: "Look out."
The Raiders laid the ground work to draft Fernando Mendoza
As Lou Scataglia of NFL Spin Zone notes, the Raiders are going about this rebuild the right way. The Raiders wasted no time improving the roster after hiring Kubiak, and those improvements, along with getting Mendoza, have things looking up in Vegas.
Additions on the offensive side of the ball include C Tyler Linderbaum, WR Jalen Naylor, and 14-year NFL QB Kirk Cousins, who could be the perfect mentor for Mendoza as he begins his NFL career. Linderbaum is one of the best centers in the NFL, and Naylor is an under-the-radar receiver who could be on breakout watch.
The defense has also gotten a big upgrade through free agency. Earlier this offseason, the Raiders signed LB Quay Walker, LB Nakobe Dean, DE Kwity Paye, CB Eric Stokes, and DE Malcolm Koonce. They also traded for CB Taron Johnson.
Fernando Mendoza is set up for success in Las Vegas
Mendoza figures to get every opportunity to be the Week 1 starter, but during the NFL Combine, Las Vegas GM John Spytek hinted at not wanting to rush a young QB. Bringing in a veteran QB like Cousins gives the Raiders a low-end starter to help Mendoza ease into the NFL. Having Cousins in the mix can not only be a strong mentor in Mendoza's development, but be a stable starting option if needed.
Fernando Mendoza's No. 1 overall selection is historic in more ways than one
Along with Cousins, Mendoza's QB corner in Las Vegas also includes seven-time Super Bowl champion and NFL legend Tom Brady, who is a minority owner of the franchise. Brady isn't too hands on in the day-to-day operations of the Raiders, but he has already told Mendoza he will help mentor him and push him to be the best that he can be.
The Raiders have been an underwhelming franchise in recent memory, but they could be turning a corner. It might take some time, but a clear plan is in motion which could lead to Las Vegas surprising some people in Mendoza's first NFL season. Other AFC teams won't be taking them lightly.
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