2026 NFL Draft: Raiders’ Strategy and Early Round Projections

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches (April 23-25, 2026), the Las Vegas Raiders are positioned at the forefront, holding the first overall pick for the first time since 2007. General Manager John Spytek and Head Coach Klint Kubiak are focused on a two-year rebuilding process, aiming to acquire key talent and accelerate the team’s return to competitiveness. The Raiders demonstrated a methodical approach at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, signaling their intent to be aggressive in pursuing players they highly value.

Raiders’ Top Pick: Fernando Mendoza

All indications point to the Raiders selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. Mendoza, the national championship winner and Heisman Trophy recipient, is widely considered the best quarterback prospect in the 2026 draft class. Despite a generally considered weaker quarterback draft, Mendoza’s performance for the Hoosiers solidifies his position as a likely top-three selection.

Early Round Projections

Here’s a look at how the Raiders and other teams are projected to draft in the first two rounds, based on combine feedback and current assessments:

Round 1

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State – Reese impressed at the combine with his speed, explosion, and violence off the edge.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami – A high-floor offensive tackle to immediately upgrade the Cardinals’ right tackle position.
4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame – An impactful running back who could also contribute to the passing game.
5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State – Styles’ combine performance and interviews have silenced skeptics.
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah – Universally praised for his combine workout.
7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech – A speed and violence off the edge, improving the Commanders’ pass rush.
8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State – A receiver who demonstrated the ability to win at all three levels of the field.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami – A polarizing prospect with the potential to constrict the pocket.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State – A safety whose intelligence and impact could elevate the entire Bengals defense.

Round 2

1. Miami Dolphins: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia – A building block for a revamped roster.
2. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU – An outstanding perceive for coverage in man or zone.
3. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson – A cornerback who excels against both the pass and run.
4. Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State – A top player in the draft who could be available due to a lack of positional versatility.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon – Considered the top tight end in the class.
6. New York Jets (from IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC – A competitive receiver with a similar style to Amon-Ra St. Brown.
7. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama – Provides immediate depth at both tackle and guard.
8. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon – A safety who exceeded expectations at the combine.
9. Carolina Panthers: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami – A potentially impactful edge rusher.
10. Dallas Cowboys (from GB): Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn – A young prospect with a developing pass-rush arsenal.

Trade Possibility

The Arizona Cardinals may trade back into the first round, potentially with the Houston Texans, to select a quarterback. This scenario mirrors a previous trade between the Texans and the New York Giants in the prior draft.

Looking Ahead

As free agency unfolds, the draft landscape will continue to evolve. However, the Raiders appear firmly set on selecting Fernando Mendoza, initiating their rebuilding process with a potential franchise quarterback. The coming weeks will be crucial as teams refine their draft boards and prepare for April’s event.