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NFL·April 24, 2026 11:06 AM ET

Raiders select Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza No. 1 in 2026 NFL Draft

Las Vegas takes top-rated quarterback first overall.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Apr 241 min read
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What happened: With the No. 1 overall pick, the Raiders selected Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza in the 2026 NFL Draft. The draft is broadcast on NFLN, ESPN, ABC and streamed on NFL+. Schefter shared a GMFB video amid ongoing first-round selections.

Why it matters: Mendoza was the expected top choice, graded highly by analysts as about as good as it gets. The pick fills a key need for Las Vegas entering 2026 season. Sets early tone for draft with trades like Cowboys moving up.

By the numbers: Draft picks from context: - 1.01: Raiders - Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana) - 1.11: Cowboys (trade up) - Caleb Downs

What to watch: Monitor Eagles trade-up for Makai Lemon at No. 20 and Jets first-rounder Kenyon Sadiq.

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