New Raiders NFL Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

The Raiders are looking for a franchise quarterback to lead them into a new era. They are in a prime position to select the player who can fulfill that role.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Raiders to do with the No. 1 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (3/31)

Selection (No. 1): QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

While so much around the NFL changed within the last few weeks, this year's No. 1 overall pick remains undisturbed. If anything, the Las Vegas Raiders tried to make Fernando Mendoza's life easier as a rookie after bringing in three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum to lead the offensive line and help make presnap calls.

The Raiders should add another wide receiver or two via free agency or later in the draft. But this pick feels like the closest thing to a slam-dunk with the No. 1 selection since the Jacksonville Jaguars took Trevor Lawrence atop the 2021 class.

"Accuracy, ball placement, command of the offense, and poise in the pocket are all counted among Mendoza's strengths," B/R scout Dame Parson said. "These traits are important for quarterbacks to be successful in the NFL. More importantly, Mendoza fits Klint Kubiak's system. With the Raiders' young nucleus of weapons, he is the right quarterback to lead this team."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/17)

Selection (No. 1): QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 1): QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 1): QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 1): QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 1): QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (3/4)

Selection (No. 1): QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 1): QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Summary

Mendoza is the consensus selection here for the Raiders. They desperately need to start over after last season. Drafting the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner is the right choice, as it would help the franchise move forward with a clear identity.