The Raiders Just Ignited a Firestorm with the No. 1 Pick
Hold onto your helmets—Matt Miller’s post-Senior Bowl 2026 mock draft just dropped a bomb: the Las Vegas Raiders are taking Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. A Heisman winner who led the Hoosiers to a national title, Mendoza brings franchise-level poise, accuracy, and toughness. The Raiders, desperate for a true QB1, believe he can start Day 1 and finally end the carousel. Is this the move that saves the franchise… or a massive reach?
Round 1 Chaos: Only ONE QB Goes in the First Round
In a draft class light on elite quarterbacks, Mendoza stands alone as the only signal-caller with a first-round grade. Teams like the Jets, Giants, and Browns pivot hard to defense and weapons instead. Edge rushers fly off the board—Arvell Reese to the Jets at No. 2, Rueben Bain Jr. to the Titans, David Bailey to the Chiefs—while offensive tackles dominate early protection picks.
Biggest Shockers & Heartbreakers
- No. 5: Giants grab Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State) — A precise-route runner to pair with Malik Nabers and give their young QB a lethal duo.
- No. 8: Saints take Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame) — A dynamic Bijan Robinson clone to replace aging Alvin Kamara.
- No. 20: Cowboys land T.J. Parker (Edge, Clemson) — Senior Bowl standout who dominated practices and could replace Micah Parsons’ production.
- No. 32: Seahawks close Round 1 with Malachi Fields (WR, Notre Dame) — A big-bodied weapon for their new-era offense.
Round 2 Steals & Senior Bowl Risers
The Jets, armed with extra picks, continue loading up. They snag a potential franchise QB in Round 2 with Ty Simpson (Alabama). Senior Bowl standouts keep climbing—David Bailey, T.J. Parker, and Malachi Fields all hear their names called early.
Offensive line remains a priority: Kadyn Proctor to Tennessee, Max Iheanachor to Detroit, and Chase Bisontis to Seattle. Defenses bolster secondaries and fronts with playmakers like D’Angelo Ponds, Dillon Thieneman, and Peter Woods.
Full Round 2 Highlights
- Jets gamble on Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama) at 44 — Elite processing and poise.
- Chiefs replace Justin Reid with Kamari Ramsey (S, USC) — Ball-hawking free safety.
- Steelers add electric Zachariah Branch (WR, Georgia) — Pure speed and YAC nightmare.
This mock is pure adrenaline—trades, risers, and bold swings that will have fanbases arguing for months. Which pick has you screaming at your screen?
