The Las Vegas Raiders clinched the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft despite beating the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. The Raiders will now begin the process of deciding between quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore with the top pick. Mendoza should be considered the early favorite.
The Raiders traded for aging quarterback Geno Smith last offseason. It proved to be a disastrous decision. Despite signing Smith to a multi-year extension upon acquiring him, indications are that the Raiders will be willing to absorb an $18.5 million dead cap hit to release him this summer.
Technically, both Mendoza and Moore have remaining eligibility. The overwhelming expectation is that Mendoza will officially declare for the draft once Indiana’s College Football Playoff is over. Sources are less sure about Moore, who could decide to return to Oregon and make significant NIL money in 2026.
In a beautiful twist of fate for the Raiders, Mendoza and Moore will go head-to-head in the CFP Semifinal at the Peach Bowl. It represents a terrific opportunity to scout both quarterbacks in a major national spot. Beyond evaluating their abilities, the Raiders will take note of how each quarterback handles the pressure of being pitted against their top competitor.
Indiana is the favorite to advance to the National Championship. It's been a dreamlike season for Mendoza, who recently won the Heisman Trophy, an individual honor sandwiched in-between historic wins over Ohio State and Alabama. Mendoza has led Indiana to an undefeated season.
Mendoza has been the best quarterback in college football. Poise in the pocket and accuracy are strong traits. Mendoza navigates pressure like an experienced quarterback to maximize his protection. Arm strength and ball placement allow the former Cal transfer to access all levels of the field.
Mendoza is not a high-end athlete at quarterback, but he manages to extend plays with his legs and throw accurately on the run. His evaluation feels fairly clean for a quarterback prospect. Scouts have compared him to Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff.
Moore possesses high-end arm talent. A quick release paired with the ability to mix velocities allows the first-year starter to fit the football into tight and difficult windows. Moore is also incredibly mobile and offers more off-script upside than Mendoza does.
Fernando Mendoza, Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers with the Raiders next season. pic.twitter.com/sCt9WkpQ2N
— Underdog (@Underdog) January 1, 2026
The Raiders have decisions to make this offseason. Head coach Pete Carroll may be dismissed and go one-and-done after such a horrendous debut season. Regardless of Carroll's fate, the Raiders will definitely have a new offensive coordinator next season after Chip Kelly was fired midseason.
Whoever is coaching and coordinating the Raiders' offense next season could have an impact on the quarterbacking decision. General manager John Spytek will oversee the process, possibly with input from Tom Brady. It's going to be an interesting pre-draft period.
The Raiders are fortunate to possess the No. 1 overall selection in what projects as a two-quarterback draft. Assuming both declare, they'll spend the next few months assessing both Mendoza and Moore. Mendoza is worthy of being the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
