Raiders 2026 NFL Draft Grades: Las Vegas Go All-In on Fernando Mendoza

The 2026 NFL Draft is finished, and as we roll into the new week, optimism is at the forefront for all 32 teams in the league.

Regardless of which players a team picks, there is always that exciting feeling that anything is possible with the player your team selected.

Could that fifth-round wide receiver your team took turn into the next Puka Nacua?

What about that late-round quarterback? If Brock Purdy can turn into an elite starter, why can’t your new signal-caller do the same?

As we wind down from the excitement that was the three-day spectacle in Pittsburgh, it’s time to put on our critical glasses and take out our pen as we begin grading teams on how they did with their draft.

How did the Las Vegas Raiders do as they ushered in a new era for the franchise?

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Best Pick: Fernando Mendoza 1.1, QB (Indiana)

It doesn’t matter if Mendoza turns out to be a franchise guy or not. For the next few months, the Raiders, which have been an afterthought in Las Vegas since they moved there, are now interesting.

Fans have hope. Even if Mendoza struggles or doesn’t even see the field in the upcoming campaign, there is legitimate interest and hope surrounding the organization.

On top of that, Mendoza has continually improved each year of his football career and has the toolset to be great in the NFL if developed properly.

Most Interesting Pick: Jermod McCoy 4.101, CB (Tennessee)

McCoy was projected a month ago as a possible top 10 pick in the draft, but then slid to the 101st pick due to lingering concerns about his knee.

Although the Tennessee corner believes he’s good and ready to go for training camp, this is a true boom or bust pick. If he stays healthy and can live up to his potential, though, then this might be the best value pick of the entire weekend.

Overall Grade: A+

The NFL Draft is about aspiring for a brighter future for your franchise. No franchise’s fans are more optimistic coming out of Pittsburgh than Raiders fans, and that excitement means something when it comes to grading.

For the first time since moving from Oakland, the Raiders are relevant in the NFL’s main narrative. And that’s a gigantic win.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 7:46 PM.