Yardbarker
x
Raider Nation Gives Their Pick at No. 1
Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders fans hold a sign during a game between the Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Raider Nation Gives Their Pick at No. 1

Originally posted on Las Vegas Raiders on SI
By Michael Canelo  |  Last updated Jan 6, 2026 12:00 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders are officially on the clock as they have the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Raiders have their option on what they want to do with the pick. The Raiders finally have the top choice in the draft, and what they do with it could determine what this franchise does for years to come on the field.

Raider Nation is the best and most loyal fanbase in all of football. Raider Nation gave their thoughts on what they want to see the Raiders do with the first overall pick.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Raiders Nation on First overall pick

"I think the pick, along with cap space, is the biggest lure for a new head coach. I don’t think Moore is the pick. Seems like Mendoza, and if the new coach thinks the kid is the future then I hope we hopefully have a new happy couple."

Raiders fans are clearly all in on the quarterback position, but it is also fair to note the franchise has plenty of other significant needs. The Raiders had maybe the worst offensive line in football this year and still need to upgrade their offensive weapons to prepare their future quarterback for success.

With that said, the easiest path for the Raiders to climb back to a winning era of football is to find a true franchise quarterback they can build around for the long-term future. Without that, the Raiders will still be lost.

"Whatever it is, it needs to be the right call. Who am I to say what they should do. That’s why people get paid and I’m not one of them. Heh."

I'm not sold on a #1 QB, many teams including us have swung and missed.
Can't we get a competent QB who has seen game snaps and trade for picks to draft OL and DL needs.
You can't have a good team without a good OL & DL, that's where our weakness is.

First time majority are on same dude- LFG!!!

He seems to be the only trustworthy QB in this year's draft, and the Raiders needed a QB 5 years ago

Mendoza. He has the talent + You can’t teach character, the most important trait and it’s the most important position in football.


This article first appeared on Las Vegas Raiders on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.