The NFL Draft remains months away—but our elite network of sources has already unlocked intelligence on the Las Vegas Raiders’ franchise-altering blueprint. Discover the power moves shaping their destiny in our NFL Mock Draft 2.0.
HENDERSON, Nev.—The Las Vegas Raiders are gathered in Miami, Florida for tonight’s College Football National title game, and to witness the presume number one pick in Fernando Mendoza. John Spytek and Tom Brady, along with an elite scouting staff led by Brandon Yeargan, are already adapting, updating, and working on their NFL Draft boards.
Jan 8, 2019; San Jose, CA, USA; Detailed view of the 2019 College Football Playoff championship trophy at a press conference at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. Clemson defeated Alabama 44-16 to win its second national title in three years. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images We listen closely to the college sources that we have earned over the years to assess who the Raiders have been watching. For example, we told you before the season started the Silver and Black had their eyes on Fernando Mendoza. Something that should excite Raider Nation, as they were on the young signal caller long before it was popular.Our sources, accumulated over decades, regularly tell us what they are seeing and hearing about the Raiders. Once we learned of the Raiders' interest in Mendoza early, it was about 10 days later that we started hearing it from NFL sources.The NFL is a tight network of people that, while appearing broad to the public, is rather small to those who operate in it. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza during practice at Florida International University during the College Football Playoff on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThe reigning Heisman Trophy winner is clearly the number one quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, and while that doesn’t equate to the immediate thoughts of Peyton Manning or Andrew Luck, he is a tremendous NFL-ready player at the most important position in all of football. Scout’s Take: “Mendoza reminds me a lot of Matt Ryan, and some of Matt Stafford, with better legs than both. I am not saying he is both of them; he has unique skill sets that each had separately. With Ryan, it is the ball skills, and with Stafford, it is the leadership. Finally, the Raiders will have a true QB1 to lead them back, and with feet.” Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Keith Abney II against the Houston Cougars at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesA ferocious force at the corner in the run game is only a plus for this ball hawk with impressive ball skills.II was quietly one of the best coverage CBs in last season, and he’s picked up his disruptive ways through the first half of the 2025 season. He has the fourth-highest PFSN CBi score in the nation at 94.1, and the tape has been lights-out from start to finish. At around 6’0″, 190 pounds, Abney has some of the most translatable coverage athleticism on the circuit, with effortless mirror-motor ability and route relationship management in off-man and zone.” Jan 17, 2026; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. participates in a practice for the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesThe opportunity to pair your young quarterback with one of his favorite targets requires very few brain cells. He is a sure-handed and steady target that instantly brings chemistry with your new young gunslinger.is a uniquely built WR prospect with great compact mass and powerful lower-body explosion packed up, but he also has the playing leverage and natural sink to redirect and re-channel acceleration through transitions. His primary two modes are as a RAC threat — with his elite explosiveness, speed, fast RAC transitions, and contact balance — and as a deep threat with his field-stretching range, body control, and sure hands — but he also flashes promise as a route runner on double-moves and short clearance concepts, using head fakes and stacked hip transitions to surge into space.” Aug 30, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles offensive lineman Jude Bowry warms up before a game against the Fordham Rams at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesThe Raiders make significant free-agent moves, which allow them to address other needs early in the NFL Draft and afford them the opportunity to take a developmental offensive tackle with impressive skills who needs time to learn the game. Scout’s Take: “Bowry is a high-reward, moderate-risk player, who, when you look at him at this pick, the reward potential justifies the pick. He has skills that you can’t teach, and will have to learn RT, but can develop into a solid and reliable swing tackle in Las Vegas.” Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday hits a pad during the Cincinnati Bearcats football spring practice at Nippert Stadium on Saturday, April 12, 2025. | Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesGolday is the kind of player that week in and week out you put on the film, and even if you were just watching the game casually, he stands out every time. He is an old-school football player. He is a relentless player with an amazing motor. Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck is pressured by Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks during the third quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 43-20. | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThe Raiders adding Banks would be a very big deal. Many have him pegged as a third-round player, but the way this draft appears to be shaping up, he may fall, due to no fault of his own, and it is plausible that the Raiders could steal him right here. An immediate player, not a starter, but an immediate player with substantial long-term impact. Jul 9, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; TCU defensive back Bud Clark speaks with the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn ImagesAn excellent playmaker, who is a ballhawk. He is reliable in open space, makes tackles, and is extremely athletic. He has enormous upside, but should contribute immediately on specials, as well as play normal defensive reps, and be ready to be a starter in year two. Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Las Vegas Raiders when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. Not only is it 100% FREE, but we also don’t spam you or sell your information.Hondo S. Carpenter Sr. is an award-winning sports journalist with decades of experience. He serves as the Senior Writer for NFL and College sports, and is the beat writer covering the Las Vegas Raiders. Additionally, he is the editor and publisher for several sites On SI. Carpenter is a member of the Pro Football Writers Association , the Football Writers Association of America , and the United States Basketball Writers Association .Why Raiders Should Be All In on Fernando Mendoza
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NFL Mock Draft 2026: NFL Final 4The Draft Network is your go-to source for NFL Draft coverage—featuring expert scouting reports, exclusive interviews, and the top-rated Mock Draft Machine. Be the GM and create your own mock draft today.
Read more »
Ephesians Prysock NFL Draft Interview: Versatile Skill Set & Senior BowlThe Draft Network is your go-to source for NFL Draft coverage—featuring expert scouting reports, exclusive interviews, and the top-rated Mock Draft Machine. Be the GM and create your own mock draft today.
Read more »
VJ Payne NFL Draft Interview: Being An Alpha + Senior Bowl GoalsThe Draft Network is your go-to source for NFL Draft coverage—featuring expert scouting reports, exclusive interviews, and the top-rated Mock Draft Machine. Be the GM and create your own mock draft today.
Read more »
NFL mock draft 2026: Eagles replace A.J. Brown with speedster; Giants gamble on injury-prone starThe 2026 NFL Draft is three months away. Which players will go at the top?
Read more »
Bills reshape roster for championship push in 4-round 2026 NFL mock draftThe Buffalo Bills fill several major needs in this 4-round 2026 NFL mock draft as they hope to finally get into the Super Bowl.
Read more »
Chicago Bears land intriguing pick in post-Divisional Round 2026 NFL mock draftA post-Divisional Round mock draft provides insight into how the Bears may approach pick No. 25 this spring.
Read more »