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 under Klint Kubiak. 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 (4/15)

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

Fernando Mendoza will be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

He earned the distinction after elevating a basketball school to a national championship standard in football by showing a level of poise and toughness that's rare in a quarterback prospect. As a result, the Raiders are locked in with an opportunity to address the game's most important position for the long haul.

"Mendoza plays quarterback the right way with a high football IQ, accuracy and ball placement," B/R scout Damian Parson said. "He will sit behind Kirk Cousins and learn head coach Klint Kubiak's offense before being given the keys to the franchise, which should help in his development and not place a massive amount of pressure on the rookie out of the gate."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/15)

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 (4/15)

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.