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Raiders Add to Defensive Front With First Third-Round Selection

Raiders Add to Defensive Front With First Third-Round Selection

The Las Vegas Raiders got back to work, and that is where it is going to get interesting for them in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Raiders are coming off making two picks at positions they needed.

NFL News / Las Vegas Raiders on SI / April 24
Raiders Land Major Piece in Draft-Day Trade With Texans — Winners and Losers

Raiders Land Major Piece in Draft-Day Trade With Texans — Winners and Losers

The Las Vegas Raiders walked away as big winners from the first round of the NFL Draft. Fernando Mendoza is now officially a Raider, and with that selection, a new dawn shines over Raider Nation.

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

The Raiders Officially Welcome QB Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders added quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the top pick in this year's NFL Draft, finally addressing their pressing need for a quality quarterback.

Las Vegas Raiders News / NFL on ClutchPoints / April 24
Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza gets massive Taco Bell shoutout after NFL Draft

Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza gets massive Taco Bell shoutout after NFL Draft

Everybody in Sin City is excited about Fernando Mendoza, even Taco Bell. The Las Vegas Raiders’ No. 1 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft is already all over the city, courtesy of the popular fast food chain.

Indiana Hoosiers 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?

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Las Vegas Raiders News / Dice City Sports / April 24
Mendoza keeps it simple after No. 1 pick: earn it

Mendoza keeps it simple after No. 1 pick: earn it

Fernando Mendoza’s first Raiders news conference Friday afternoon sounded like a quarterback who already knows the quickest way to lose a locker room in Las Vegas.

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.

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Las Vegas Raiders News / The Raider Ramble / April 24
NFL Draft: 5 steals the Raiders can’t afford to miss on Day 2

NFL Draft: 5 steals the Raiders can’t afford to miss on Day 2

Night one is over. Night two is where drafts are won. After a first round full of surprises from other NFL teams—some welcome, some head-scratching—the Silver and Black now hold the 36th pick with a loaded board still in front of them.

Las Vegas Raiders News / A to Z Sports / April 24
Best remaining players for the Raiders on Day 2 at pick No. 67: Vegas can still get great value in the third round

Best remaining players for the Raiders on Day 2 at pick No. 67: Vegas can still get great value in the third round

The Las Vegas Raiders finished Day 1 with their guy, Fernando Mendoza. However, they have two picks on Day 2 for now. The Las Vegas Raiders have just two picks on Day 2, for now.

Las Vegas Raiders News / Las Vegas Raiders on SI / April 24
Mendoza's Fit in Raiders' Scheme Requires One Key Adjustment

Mendoza's Fit in Raiders' Scheme Requires One Key Adjustment

The Las Vegas Raiders finally landed Fernando Mendoza as their quarterback. The Raiders used the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft to eliminate a longstanding need.

Las Vegas Raiders News / A to Z Sports / April 24
Raiders Day 2 Mock Draft: Las Vegas can still get two starters with their next two picks if they play their cards right

Raiders Day 2 Mock Draft: Las Vegas can still get two starters with their next two picks if they play their cards right

The Las Vegas Raiders have the ability to grab two defensive starters in the 2026 NFL Draft on Day 2 alone if they take Kayden McDonald and AJ Haulcy. Kayden McDonald was one of the best interior defensive tackles in college football last season.

Las Vegas Raiders News / A to Z Sports / April 24
Best remaining players for the Raiders on Day 2 at pick No. 36: Las Vegas will have a plethora of possibilities on its hands

Best remaining players for the Raiders on Day 2 at pick No. 36: Las Vegas will have a plethora of possibilities on its hands

The Las Vegas Raiders finished Day 1 with their guy, Fernando Mendoza. However, they have two picks on Day 2 for now. Many thought the Las Vegas Raiders would trade back into the first round after selecting Fernando Mendoza.

Klint Kubiak News / HITC / April 24
Fernando Mendoza reveals coach Klint Kubiak’s first message after Raiders picked him No. 1 overall

Fernando Mendoza reveals coach Klint Kubiak’s first message after Raiders picked him No. 1 overall

Fernando Mendoza’s NFL journey officially began with a moment he had been waiting for his entire life. But beyond the emotions of hearing his name called No.

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
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Las Vegas Raiders News / Dice City Sports / April 24
Raiders Draft Countdown rewind: Best Raiders to wear Nos. 91-99

Raiders Draft Countdown rewind: Best Raiders to wear Nos. 91-99

Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft is here in Pittsburgh, Pa., and yes, we have to own it. Dice City Sports started its Raiders Draft Countdown at No. 90 because we did not think of the idea nine days earlier.

Las Vegas Raiders News / Las Vegas Raiders on SI / April 24
Raiders' First Round Pick Compared to Rest of AFC West

Raiders' First Round Pick Compared to Rest of AFC West

The long-awaited 2026 NFL Draft has finally kicked off, and with it, the next wave of superstars is looking to make their mark on the league. The Las Vegas Raiders had the first overall pick, and unlike the rest of the first round, there was no surprise with the player they selected.

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 The 'NFL No.1-overall draft picks' quiz
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 The 'First round QB's since 2000' quiz
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 The 'Playoff debut scoring-record by team' quiz
NFL News / HITC / April 24
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.

Indiana Hoosiers News / Yardbarker / April 24
Mendoza sees himself as Brady 'underdog' despite different draft experiences

Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza sees himself as Tom Brady 'underdog' despite different draft experiences

While their springtime experiences went much differently, Mendoza nevertheless sees a bit of Brady in himself.

QB Fernando Mendoza now able to do even more good for the world after getting drafted No. 1 by Raiders
Curt Cignetti keeps winning as Fernando Mendoza goes No.1 overall in 2026 NFL Draft
Fernando Mendoza sends first official message as a Raider
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Las Vegas Raiders News / Las Vegas Raiders on SI / April 24
Best Remaining Players for Raiders on NFL Draft Day 2

Best Remaining Players for Raiders on NFL Draft Day 2

The 2026 NFL Draft is underway, and the Las Vegas Raiders hope they have their franchise quarterback. Fernando Mendoza is officially a member of the Silver and Black, so Raiders fans could sit back comfortably and watch the rest of the draft last night.

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.

Las Vegas Raiders News / Las Vegas Raiders on SI / April 24
Raiders Day Two Draft Sleepers: Names to Watch

Raiders Day Two Draft Sleepers: Names to Watch

The Las Vegas Raiders did not make another move in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, as general manager John Spytek stuck to his guns and let the board fall for them at No.

Las Vegas Raiders News / Las Vegas Raiders on SI / April 24
Raiders' Biggest Draft Needs, Most Likely Picks in Rounds 2 & 3

Raiders' Biggest Draft Needs, Most Likely Picks in Rounds 2 & 3

The Las Vegas Raiders head into the second day of the NFL Draft looking to take the next step in the process of rebuilding their roster. The Raiders used 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 / 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. 

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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.

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.

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.

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