Raiders to Select Fernando Mendoza No. 1 Overall; Open QB Competition

The Las Vegas Raiders are poised to select Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While his draft position is nearly certain, the Raiders have announced that Mendoza will enter a training camp competition with veteran Kirk Cousins to determine the Week One starter. Analysts expect significant roster movement following the pick as the team monitors Mendoza's development, emphasizing that the "best guy will play" regardless of draft status.