Ideal prospects for Las Vegas Raiders to pick in support of Fernando Mendoza 

The Las Vegas Raiders are ushering in a new era with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and are poised to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and national championship leader brings prototypical size (6-foot-5, 236 pounds), very good ball placement, poise under pressure, and solid pocket mobility to a franchise desperate for a cornerstone signal-caller.

He's compared to a more athletic Matt Ryan, Mendoza's elite production — over 3,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns — positions him as the clear QB1 in a class lacking depth at the position. With new head coach Klint Kubiak's offensive scheme, Mendoza could thrive alongside existing talents like tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty.

However, the Raiders' rebuild extends beyond the quarterback position. They'll need to bolster the offensive line to protect Mendoza, add receiver depth, and rebuild a defense that ranked near the bottom in sacks and points allowed last season. Free agency moves, like signing center Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal, provide stability up front, but the draft remains key for long-term success. 

If they choose not to trade back into the first round, here are five ideal prospects for the Raiders to consider at pick 36.