NFL Draft intel: Raiders' decision seems even clearer after Fernando Mendoza leads Indiana to first title

"Mendoza's toughness to shake off a few tackles, find his balance and soar into the end zone while being hit in the back is the stuff of legends," wrote The Ringer's Todd McShay. "My show cohost Steve Muench compared it to John Elway's helicopter run in Super Bowl XXXII, and I see the resemblance."

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio has suggested the Raiders will explore a trade for Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson this offseason, but that's unlikely. Instead, the team should focus on building around Mendoza, who led Indiana to its first national championship in football. Brady attending Monday's game could signal Vegas is planning to do just that. 

Is Miami Hurricanes DE Rueben Bain Jr. worthy of a top-10 pick? 

ESPN's Field Yates is not as high on 2025 ACC Defensive Player of the Year Bain as other draft analysts. In his positional rankings, he listed the 6-foot-3, 275-pound pass-rusher as his No. 4 edge-rusher. 

"While some view Bain as a top-10 pick, there are split opinions among NFL evaluators, given his frame," wrote Yates. "Scouts have questions about his length, speed off the edge and what type of front he would fit in at the next level." 

Bain lacks ideal arm length (30 3/4 inches) for an NFL pass-rusher. Edge-rushers' arms typically measure 33 1/2 inches. His shorter arms, however, posed few problems for him in 2025. 

Pro Football Focus credited him with an FBS-leading 83 pressures in 16 games. In the national championship, the DE tallied eight tackles and one sack.

What's next for Miami Hurricanes QB Carson Beck? 

After spending six seasons with Miami and the Georgia Bulldogs, Beck (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) will begin preparing for the predraft process. He improved his stock this season and could be a Day 2 selection. Tankathon's mock draft has the Miami Dolphins taking him with pick No. 87 in the third round.

Beck could vie for QB3 in a class thin at the position after Oregon Ducks star Dante Moore announced he's returning to school for the 2026 season. McShay recommended he play in the Senior Bowl — scheduled Jan. 31 in Mobile, Ala. (2:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network) — to improve his chances of climbing up teams' boards. 

"People in Miami can talk about how much of a team leader he is, but I want to see him stand on business and take one more opportunity to showcase what he can do on the same field with other QBs in this class," wrote McShay. "Doing so would set a positive tone for what's going to be a pivotal and very fascinating few months for the Miami QB."

Beck still projects as a career backup in the NFL. He threw for 300 yards or more just twice in 2025. The QB also displayed a lack of poise when he threw a game-sealing interception to DB Jamari Sharpe in the national championship.

Should teams take a flier on Arkansas Razorbacks QB Taylen Green? 

In an underwhelming year for QBs, teams may be more willing to take a project in Green (6-foot-6, 224 pounds). In 2025, he completed a below-average 60.7 percent of his passes for 2,714 yards, 19 TD passes and 11 interceptions. 

However, Green is an excellent runner. The former Boise State Broncos star rushed for 777 yards and eight TDs on 139 carries. 

"[He'll] need time to develop further based on reps, time and extra instruction from an NFL staff, personal quarterback or both," wrote Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski in a story published Tuesday. "If properly harnessed, Green can far exceed the initial investment that will come with his draft selection."

Perhaps a team can maximize Green's upside at the Senior Bowl. He has already accepted his invite. 

What should New York Jets do with pick No. 2? 

Many mock drafts had the Jets (3-14) grabbing Moore with pick No. 2 before he confirmed a return to Oregon. Instead of reaching for a QB in the first round, New York should prioritize improving its defense (29.6 points per game against, No. 31 in the NFL). 

PFF's Gordon McGuinness believes New York will. In his latest mock, the Jets take Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (6-foot-3, 250 pounds) with pick No. 2. 

"With Moore of the board, the most logical route would be to target one of the top players in the draft," wrote McGuinness. "While he's not as refined as a prospect, he is more than good enough as a pass-rusher to be worthy of a top-five selection." 

2025 first-team All-American Bailey tied with Western Michigan Broncos defensive end Nadame Tucker for first in the FBS in sacks (14.5) in 2025.