The Las Vegas Raiders have long been searching for a new franchise quarterback. Trading for former Pro Bowl QB Geno Smith last offseason backfired. Now the Raiders have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and many believe they’re set to select Heisman-winning CFP National Champion Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana.
However, others don’t believe that’s a good idea. Some think it would be better for the Raiders to trade the No. 1 pick for a collection of assets.
Specifically, Fox Sports’ Danny Parkins believes the Raiders would be far better off trading the top selection in April’s NFL draft.
“Given how many holes the Raiders have, and given the comp for Mendoza seems to be a Jared Goff type who’s a little faster with a little worse arm… that can miss.”
Of course. All draft selections can miss, even the seemingly ‘sure things’ that emerge every few years. Yet, what’s the alternative in Las Vegas? Running it back with Geno Smith? Trying to land someone like Tua Tagovailoa or Kyler Murray?
Who’s to say those reclamation projects pan out in Vegas either? Mendoza will be their least expensive option, and he has the highest ceiling, but yes, like any player, there are risks involved. It’s up to the Raiders to decide whether those risks are worth the potential pay-off.
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