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Main Photo: Rich Janzaruk/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Potential Raiders Trio Could Be Something Special

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Mike Roberts | Last updated Jan 3, 2026 1:37 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders have a pair of intriging young players in tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty. If quarterback Fernando Mendoza lands in Vegas, could they become one of the NFL’s next elite trios?

The Raiders currently own the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They can clinch the pick if they lose or tie their Week 18 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. If Las Vegas wins that contest, they can still get the No. 1 pick if the New York Giants lose to the Dallas Cowboys.

Plus, a win combined with losses from the Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns, and Atlanta Falcons would also guarantee the Raiders the top spot before their game even begins.

The Raiders will more than likely land the No. 1 pick. And there’s probably a 99 percent chance that they’ll draft Mendoza.

Potential Raiders Trio of Fernando Mendoza, Brock Bowers, and Ashton Jeanty Could Be Special

Mendoza: The Heisman Winner

Fernando Mendoza is having a spectacular season with the Indiana Hoosiers. The Miami, Florida native has passed for 3,172 yards and 36 touchdowns. He has also rushed for 256 yards and six scores.

Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first Cuban-American to receive the honor. He recently led the No. 1-ranked Hoosiers to a 38-3 win over Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Mendoza was impressive in that game, completing 14 of his 16 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns.

Without a doubt, Mendoza is considered the top prospect in the 2026 draft. He has exhibited all the tools you want to see in a franchise quarterback. He possesses composure, arm strength, and sneaky mobility.

Bowers and Jeanty: The Offensive Weapons

Main Photo: [Kirby Lee] USA Today Sports

Bowers and Jeanty were the Raiders’ last two first-round picks. The team drafted Bowers 13th overall in 2024 and Jeanty sixth overall in 2025.

Bowers had an outstanding rookie year, catching 112 passes for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns. His receptions and receiving yards were the highest among all tight ends in the league that year. For his efforts, Bowers was named First-team All-Pro and was selected to the Pro Bowl.

Bowers had an injury-plaged 2025 season, missing several games. Yet, he still made the Pro Bowl, recording 64 receptions, 680 yards, and seven touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Jeanty is known for his incredible 2024 season at Boise State. He rushed for a ridiculous 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns that year. He was just 27 yards short of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record.

Jeanty is having a solid, but certainly not legendary rookie year. He has rushed for 888 yards and five touchdowns. The Raiders have one of the league’s worst offensive lines, which is perhaps the main reason Jeanty hasn’t had better stats.

Will they Turn the Raiders Around?

It has been a tough time for the Raiders. The team has only made the playoffs twice since the 2002 campaign. At 2-14, they own the worst record in the league this season.

Maybe a potential Mendoza-Bowers-Jeanty trio could help turn things around in Vegas. Mendoza has what it takes to become a superstar NFL quarterback and Bowers is already one of the league’s best pass-catchers. And if the Raiders can somehow fix their offensive line, Jeanty could become a star as well.

Jeanty has shown flashes this season. In Week 16 against the Houston Texans, he had 188 all-purpose yards (128 rushing yards and 60 receiving yards).

Mendoza, Bowers, and Jeanty could emerge as a young trio that finally gives the Raiders an identity on offense. Stay tuned.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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