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Despite going No. 1 overall, Fernando Mendoza makes ‘bottom of the totem pole’ admission

Despite going No. 1 overall, Fernando Mendoza makes ‘bottom of the totem pole’ admission

Fernando Mendoza may be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he’s not carrying himself like one. In fact, the new Las Vegas Raiders quarterback is already framing his NFL journey from a completely different perspective, one rooted in humility, urgency, and a clear understanding of what comes next.

John Spytek News / A to Z Sports / April 24
John Spytek wanted to make sure everyone knew one important aspect of the Raiders drafting Fernando Mendoza

John Spytek wanted to make sure everyone knew one important aspect of the Raiders drafting Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders got their franchise guy, but general manager John Spytek wanted everyone to know they did it the right way. The Las Vegas Raiders made Fernando Mendoza the No.

Klint Kubiak News / Las Vegas Raiders on SI / April 24

Spytek, Raiders Add Their QB of the Future, Select Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders' offseason plans of making progress on one of the league's worst rosters have been a multifaceted approach. Before fixing the roster, Las Vegas needed to fix its coaching staff.

Las Vegas Raiders News / Las Vegas Raiders on SI / April 24

Inside the Raiders’ Bold Day 1 Draft Move That Changes Everything

HENDERSON, Nev.—The sun hadn’t even set on the Las Vegas valley when National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell stepped to the podium at exactly 5:13 PM PT to announce that the Las Vegas Raiders had selected their future franchise quarterback (QB) in Fernando Mendoza.

Indiana Hoosiers News / Yardbarker Quizzes
The 'First round QB's since 2000' quiz

The 'First round QB's since 2000' quiz

Since the year 2000, a total of 77 quarterbacks have been selected in the first round of the annual NFL Draft. How many of the 77 can you name in six minutes?

The 'Heisman Trophy winners since 2000' quiz
The 'CFB champion QB's since 1998' quiz
The 'College Football Player of the Year' quiz
Las Vegas Raiders News / Las Vegas Raiders on SI / April 23
Raider Nation Reacts to Las Vegas Drafting Fernando Mendoza

Raider Nation Reacts to Las Vegas Drafting Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders now have the quarterback of their future with Fernando Mendoza. The Raiders selected Mendoza with the first overall pick, and it got social media buzzing about the future of the Silver and Black.

NFL News / Yardbarker
First-round NFL mock draft: Mendoza goes No.1, then who?

First-round NFL mock draft: Mendoza goes No.1, then who?

Teams are finalizing their Big Boards with much of NFL free agency in the rearview mirror. There's a look at the least first-round mock draft as of April 8, 2026.

Mel Kiper Jr., Todd McShay, Dane Brugler all link Ty Simpson with one team
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Las Vegas Raiders News / Las Vegas Raiders on SI / April 23
One Raiders Veteran on Chopping Block After Mendoza Pick

One Raiders Veteran on Chopping Block After Mendoza Pick

The Las Vegas Raiders finally got their guy when they drafted quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Raiders are finally ready to move into a new era of football with their quarterback of the future.

Tom Brady News / The Spun / April 23
Tom Brady Had Awesome Message For Raiders' No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza

Tom Brady Had Awesome Message For Raiders' No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders may have selected their franchise quarterback this Thursday night in Fernando Mendoza. It was no secret that Mendoza was going No.

Las Vegas Raiders News / Las Vegas Raiders on SI / April 23
Grading the Raiders' Selection of QB Fernando Mendoza

Grading the Raiders' Selection of QB Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders finally drafted quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Las Vegas has started seven different quarterbacks in the past three seasons.

Indiana Hoosiers News / Yardbarker / April 23
QB Fernando Mendoza now able to do even more good for the world after getting drafted No. 1 by Raiders

QB Fernando Mendoza now able to do even more good for the world after getting drafted No. 1 by Raiders

It's a good thing quarterback Fernando Mendoza didn't quit football when he was in fourth grade. 

Fernando Mendoza sends first official message as a Raider
Fernando Mendoza's ceremonial first pitch was a little bit wild
The 'NFL No.1-overall draft picks' quiz
Las Vegas Raiders News / A to Z Sports / April 23
Klint Kubiak and John Spytek have already accomplished as a pair what previous Raiders regimes failed to do time and time again

Klint Kubiak and John Spytek have already accomplished as a pair what previous Raiders regimes failed to do time and time again

The Las Vegas Raiders finally have their franchise quarterback in Fernando Mendoza, as past regimes have tried to get one so many times. The Las Vegas Raiders will enter the 2026 season under a new regime determined to establish lasting stability.

Las Vegas Raiders News / A to Z Sports / April 23
Raiders have a legit shot at making a big first-round draft trade after taking Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall

Raiders have a legit shot at making a big first-round draft trade after taking Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall

The Las Vegas Raiders have ten picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. They are, as GM John Spytek said, in the business of having good football players. So, while they need all of these picks to attempt to fill roster needs, they also need as many good football players as they can get.

NFL News / Yardbarker
2026 NFL Draft: Small-school prospects who will make a big impact

2026 NFL Draft: Small-school prospects who will make a big impact

NFL prospects from major programs get most of the attention, but there are numerous examples of players drafted from small schools who have become difference-makers.

2026 NFL Draft: 25 prospects who are diamonds in the rough
2026 NFL Draft: 20 famous names who won't be drafted until the later rounds
NFL Draft: Fernando Mendoza’s big issue among latest intel
Penn State's Drew Allar sends message to teams ahead of NFL Draft
NFL GM makes prediction about Giants, Caleb Downs draft rumors
Indiana Hoosiers News / Yardbarker / April 23
Fernando Mendoza sends first official message as a Raider

Fernando Mendoza sends first official message as a Raider

As expected, the Las Vegas Raiders took Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

Fernando Mendoza's ceremonial first pitch was a little bit wild
Bengals reportedly considered making bold Maxx Crosby move before trading for Dexter Lawrence II
The 'First round QB's since 2000' quiz
Las Vegas Raiders News / Las Vegas Raiders on SI / April 23

Draft Gives Raiders Chance To Put Cherry on Top

Few teams in the league are facing as much pressure to produce a strong haul in the upcoming NFL Draft as the Las Vegas Raiders. Las Vegas started the offseason cleaning house and revamping things from the top down.

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The 'First round QB's since 2000' quiz
 The 'First round QB's since 2000' quiz
The 'Most 30-point NBA Playoff games' quiz
 The 'Most 30-point NBA Playoff games' quiz
The 'Playoff debut scoring-record by team' quiz
 The 'Playoff debut scoring-record by team' quiz
The 'NBA minutes-per-game leaders' quiz
 The 'NBA minutes-per-game leaders' quiz
John Spytek News / The Raider Ramble / April 23
The Raiders have a plan but GM John Spytek has no margin for error

The Raiders have a plan but GM John Spytek has no margin for error

Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek has created something substantial. Now, don’t ruin it. Spytek has had one of the more quietly impressive offseasons in the AFC West.

Las Vegas Raiders News / Las Vegas Raiders on SI / April 23

Raiders' 2026 Draft Haul Builds Next Layer of Foundation

The Las Vegas Raiders' long-awaited time to select their quarterback of the future is here. The wait is finally over. The Raiders will soon eliminate quarterback as their most pressing roster need for the first time in many years.

NFL News / The Spun / April 23
Fernando Mendoza's High School GPA Leaks Before The NFL Draft

Fernando Mendoza's High School GPA Leaks Before The NFL Draft

Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to go No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night. The Las Vegas Raiders have the top overall pick and they need a quarterback.

Maxx Crosby News / The Raider Ramble / April 23
Make the Raiders an offer they can’t refuse

Make the Raiders an offer they can’t refuse

The Las Vegas Raiders aren’t shopping Maxx Crosby. They’re just not stopping anyone from shopping, either. In the weeks since a failed physical torpedoed a blockbuster deal with the Baltimore Ravens, new details have quietly emerged painting a portrait of a franchise that knows exactly what it has in No.

Fernando Mendoza News / Yardbarker Quizzes
The 'NFL No.1-overall draft picks' quiz

The 'NFL No.1-overall draft picks' quiz

How many of the No. 1 overall picks from the NFL Draft since 1966 can you name in eight minutes?

The 'Heisman Trophy winners since 2000' quiz
The 'College Football Player of the Year' quiz
The 'First round QB's since 2000' quiz
Klint Kubiak News / Las Vegas Raiders on SI / April 23
Kubiak's Impact Huge As Raiders Head Into Draft

Kubiak's Impact Huge As Raiders Head Into Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders' hopes of turning things around started by doing all they could to change how things were run from the top down. The Raiders have revamped their front office and their coaching staff over the past two offseasons, leading to mass change and the acceptance of a rebuild.

John Spytek News / The Raider Ramble / April 23
Raiders 3-Round Mock Draft: Does GM John Spytek go WR or DT on Day 2?

Raiders 3-Round Mock Draft: Does GM John Spytek go WR or DT on Day 2?

The primary question for the Las Vegas Raiders concerning the draft is which position they will prioritize on Day 2 of the event. Let’s try to answer that.

Las Vegas Raiders News / Las Vegas Raiders on SI / April 23
Last Raiders 3-Round Mock Before NFL Draft

Last Raiders 3-Round Mock Before NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders, holding the first overall pick, have more at stake in the upcoming NFL draft than any other team on the board. They've made all the right moves in free agency and brought in a new coaching staff, but it will all be for naught if they can't pick the right players.

Las Vegas Raiders News / Dice City Sports / April 23
Raiders draft countdown: Jim Otto is best No. 00 in team history

Raiders draft countdown: Jim Otto is best No. 00 in team history

The 2026 NFL Draft begins tonight in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 23-25, 2026. After a 3-14 season in 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick as this daily countdown closes with the franchise’s best player by jersey number.

Tom Brady News / The Raider Ramble / April 22
What happens when Tom Brady’s Way becomes the Raiders’ Way

What happens when Tom Brady’s Way becomes the Raiders’ Way

Tom Brady’s influence is inching closer to the Las Vegas Raiders—but landing his protégé could bring as much tension as promise. Fernando Mendoza is about to live every football kid’s dream.

Maxx Crosby News / Yardbarker / April 22
Bengals reportedly considered making bold Maxx Crosby move before trading for Dexter Lawrence II

Bengals reportedly considered making bold Maxx Crosby move before trading for Dexter Lawrence II

It seems that the Bengals explored making a trade for Las Vegas Raiders star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby earlier this year. 

NFL executives expand on how Joe Burrow impacted Bengals' decision to trade for Dexter Lawrence II
NFL Draft 2026: True-or-false predictions for David Bailey, Ty Simpson, Jeremiyah Love and Round 1
Why Dexter Lawrence II felt he 'needed' to go through rough 2025 season with Giants
The '2024-25 Pro Bowl starters' quiz
Tre Tucker News / Dice City Sports / April 22
Raiders draft countdown: Tre Tucker is best No. 1 in team history

Raiders draft countdown: Tre Tucker is best No. 1 in team history

Tomorrow is the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 23-25, 2026. After a 3-14 season in 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No.

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