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Raiders 2026 Draft Forecast: 3-Round Mock

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Ethan Tavel | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 12:04 PM ET

A new era for the Las Vegas Raiders begins this offseason, with the newest head coach, Klint Kubia,k joining the staff. As a recent Super Bowl champion, Kubiak brings a winning mentality to a franchise that needs it. That also means they control the first overall pick, giving Kubiak and new GM, John Spytek, the chance to turn the organization around. Maxx Crosby headlines the defense, while Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers headline a young, explosive offensive core. Can this new front office nail the most important draft in Raiders history?

Raiders 2026 3-Round Mock Draft

1st Round – Fernando Mendoza (QB) – Indiana

To kick off the new era of the Raiders, they select their quarterback of the future in former Heisman winner and National Champion, Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza is the best quarterback in the draft, known for his elite accuracy, poise, and arm talent. Additionally, he possesses a clutch factor that many starting quarterbacks in the NFL lack, a skill that was on full display in the National Championship.

He’ll have the chance to play alongside Jeanty and Bowers, two explosive skill players who have been waiting to have a quarterback behind them. If the Raiders select Fernando Mendoza, it’d be the perfect way to begin a new era of winning and would unlock the Raiders’ offense.

2025 Stats

3,535 passing yards
41 passing touchdowns/6 interceptions
72% completion percentage
276 rushing yards/90 carries
7 rushing touchdowns

2nd Round – Denzel Boston (WR) – Washington

Since trading Jakobi Meyers at the trade deadline, the Raiders have lacked a true alpha in the receiver room. However, Denzel Boston is the solution to that problem. Boston is widely viewed as a top-five receiver in the draft and is the best X receiver, thanks to his size and ball skills. He’s got an NFL-ready frame at 6’4″ and 210 lbs, a proven ability to come down with 50/50 balls, excellent body control, and a lot of yards-after-catch potential. Boston would perfectly round out this young offense and would help shape the Raiders into future contenders.

2025 Stats

62 receptions
881 receiving yards
11 receiving touchdowns

3rd Round – Caleb Tiernan (OT) – Northwestern

The foundation of a championship-winning team lies in the quality of the offensive line, which is why it makes perfect sense for the Raiders to select Caleb Tiernan. Tiernan is a high-floor prospect, an experienced four-year starter, and played over 3,000 snaps for Northwestern with elite football IQ. He displays excellent body control and can anchor his body in pass protection, while also being effective in different gap schemes and getting to the second level in run blocking. Tiernan is the perfect piece for this struggling offensive line and will help push this offense to a new level.

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

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