Fernando Mendoza is emerging as a strong contender for the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, particularly following the news that Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has opted to return to school for the 2026 season. With Moore stepping away from the draft, the focus now shifts solely to Mendoza, who is anticipated to be the Raiders’ top choice given their pressing need for a quarterback.
The Las Vegas Raiders, armed with the first pick, have been closely monitoring both Mendoza and Moore as potential franchise quarterbacks. However, Mendoza’s recent standout performance, particularly in a semifinal match where he outshined Moore, has solidified his position as the top talent in this year’s draft. Although the Raiders may have considered Moore, the decision to return to college eliminates that option, making Mendoza the clear frontrunner.
As Mendoza prepares to make his declaration after the Hoosiers compete against Miami in the NCAA championship game, expectations are high that he will indeed enter the draft. With no other quarterbacks deemed worthy of a top pick, the Raiders face a straightforward decision: select Mendoza or trade the first overall pick. The New York Jets, who hold the second pick, are expected to show significant interest in acquiring the top pick and have substantial draft capital to offer.
Looking ahead, while the current quarterback class is often viewed as lacking depth, the 2027 draft is anticipated to feature several high-caliber prospects, including Arch Manning, Moore, and others. This future outlook could play a critical role in the Raiders’ draft strategy, emphasizing the importance of their decision in April. Overall, Mendoza’s ascent to the top of draft boards offers hope for both him and the Raiders as they look to rebuild and strengthen their team in the coming years.