Raiders Draft Fernando Mendoza No. 1 Overall, Add Eight More in 2026 NFL Draft

Las Vegas addressed quarterback, safety, edge rusher, and offensive line needs across a nine-pick draft haul.

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, capping an offseason in which the franchise prioritized its long-term needs at multiple positions. The Raiders made nine selections across seven rounds, adding depth at safety, cornerback, edge rusher, running back, and wide receiver, while also signing undrafted free agents including two of Mendoza's former Indiana teammates.

Fernando Mendoza: Raiders Take Indiana QB No. 1 Overall

The Raiders used the first overall pick on Mendoza, who put together a standout 2025 season for the Indiana Hoosiers. Mendoza threw 27 touchdowns and no interceptions in the red zone, completed 73% of his passes — the third-highest completion rate in the FBS — and has drawn attention not only for his on-field production but also for his marketability as a franchise quarterback.

Following the draft, the Raiders also signed undrafted free agents that included two of Mendoza's former Indiana teammates, as well as a popular kicker, further building out the roster around their new signal-caller.

Day 2: Raiders Trade Back for Safety Treydan Stukes, Add Edge and Offensive Lineman

In the second round, Las Vegas traded back to No. 38 in a deal with the Houston Texans and selected Arizona safety Treydan Stukes. Stukes brings positional versatility to the Raiders' secondary, having logged 363 snaps at slot cornerback and 161 at safety last season. Over 55 career games, he totaled seven interceptions and 21 pass breakups.

With the 67th pick in the third round, the Raiders selected Auburn edge rusher Keyron Crawford, who began his college career at Arkansas State before transferring. Crawford's production improved significantly in his second year at Auburn, recording 36 pressures and five sacks in 2025 after totaling 23 pressures and no sacks the prior season.

Las Vegas rounded out the third round by selecting Texas A&M's Trey Zuhn III at No. 91. Zuhn accumulated 3,021 career snaps at left tackle and 124 at center — all in 2025 — and was named 2025 First-Team All-SEC. He also shared the SEC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded to the conference's top blocker, with Alabama's Kadyn Proctor. Despite his tackle background, the Raiders announced Zuhn as a guard. With starters already in place at center in Tyler Linderbaum, left tackle Kolton Miller, and right guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, Zuhn is expected to compete with Caleb Rogers and Spencer Burford for the left guard spot.

Day 3: McCoy, Washington, Two More DBs, and a Vertical Threat at Receiver

The Raiders moved up to No. 101 in the fourth round, sending the 102nd pick and a 2027 seventh-round choice to the Buffalo Bills to select Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy. McCoy was considered a first-round talent and a potential top-10 pick before knee concerns caused him to slide to Day 3. Las Vegas also used the 122nd pick on Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr., who expressed excitement about forming a backfield tandem with Ashton Jeanty. Adding a complementary running back had been identified as a priority for the team's coaching staff this offseason.

In the fifth round, the Raiders added a second Arizona defensive back, selecting safety Dalton Johnson at No. 150 after acquiring that pick from the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick (219th overall) and defensive end Tyree Wilson. Johnson played 540 career snaps in the slot and 702 at safety, adding further versatility to a secondary that now includes his former Arizona teammate Stukes. Las Vegas also took California cornerback Hezekiah Masses at No. 175. Masses spent three seasons at Florida International before transferring to Cal, where he recorded five interceptions and 14 pass breakups in 13 games.

The Raiders used the 195th pick in the sixth round on Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson, who totaled 719 receiving yards in his college career, with 282 of those yards coming on vertical routes. Benson also contributed on special teams, recording an 85-yard punt return touchdown against USC last season.

What we know

• The Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza of Indiana with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
• Mendoza threw 27 touchdowns and no interceptions in the red zone in 2025 and completed 73% of his passes, the third-highest rate in the FBS.
• Las Vegas traded back to No. 38 with the Houston Texans to select Arizona safety Treydan Stukes in the second round.
• Stukes totaled seven interceptions and 21 pass breakups over 55 career games and can play slot cornerback and safety.
• Third-round pick Trey Zuhn III was named 2025 First-Team All-SEC and shared the SEC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy with Alabama's Kadyn Proctor.
• The Raiders traded the 102nd pick and a 2027 seventh-round choice to the Bills to move up and select cornerback Jermod McCoy at No. 101.
• Las Vegas acquired the No. 150 pick from the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick and defensive end Tyree Wilson.
• The Raiders signed undrafted free agents after the draft, including a popular kicker and two of Mendoza's former Indiana teammates.

Why it matters

For Las Vegas, the 2026 draft represents one of the most consequential roster-building moments in recent franchise history. Selecting a quarterback first overall signals a long-term commitment to rebuilding around Mendoza, while the additions of Stukes, Crawford, McCoy, and two more defensive backs address persistent secondary and pass-rush needs. The pairing of Washington with Jeanty in the backfield and the arrival of a vertical threat in Benson give the offense new dimensions heading into the season.

What’s next

The Raiders will continue building the roster through undrafted free agent signings, with two of Mendoza's former Indiana teammates and a kicker already added to the mix. Zuhn is expected to enter competition with Caleb Rogers and Spencer Burford for the left guard starting spot, while McCoy's recovery from knee concerns will be monitored as the team moves toward offseason workouts and training camp.

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