When a team "earns" the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, it comes with the heightened expectations that whoever is selected will change the franchise forever. We have seen success and failure for numerous franchises, one of them being the Las Vegas Raiders, who held the draft's top selection slot for the first time since drafting LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell in 2007.

This year, that honor went to Indiana Hoosiers quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner, and National Champion Fernando Mendoza, who was the drama-less choice at No. 1. The rest of the NFL Draft for the Raiders was filled with excitement and a bolstering in talent across the board, in what could set the tone for the franchise in the years to come.

Raiders Leave the Draft With One of the Strongest Classes

Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (right) shakes hands with general manager John Spytek at the introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center after being selected as…