Fernando Mendoza Heavy Favorite for No. 1 Pick; Cousins Acknowledges Draft

Fernando Mendoza is the heavy favorite to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL draft, with betting odds at -20000. Mendoza is currently preparing by studying film of elite NFC West quarterbacks. Veteran Kirk Cousins, who recently joined the team, has publicly stated that the best player should start, acknowledging the team's expected move to draft Mendoza as their future franchise quarterback. Cousins is reportedly ready to 'let chips fall where they may' in Las Vegas, fully aware of Mendoza's impending arrival.