What had been mocked everywhere for months became official Thursday night: The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
And then draft day really began in Pitsburgh. Stick with us, as I’ll be analyzing and grading every selection in real time.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Rang: An ideal fit for the Raiders both from a physical and intangible perspective, Mendoza isn’t just the right pick, he’s the perfect one. His prototypical size, pre- and post-snap recognition and accuracy from both the pocket and on the move should make him a star in Klint Kubiak’s offense. Even better, Mendoza has composure on and off the field needed for a team based in a city with the many, varied distractions of Las Vegas.
Grade: A
2. New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Rang: Bailey: Finishing dead last in the AFC in sacks, the Jets made the right choice to add this year’s top pass-rusher. Bailey’s burst and bend off the edge is elite. He is a realistic Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate who projects as a 10-plus sack-a-year difference-maker.
Grade: A
3. Arizona Cardinals
4. Tennessee Titans
5. New York Giants
6. Cleveland Browns
7. Washington Commanders
8. New Orleans Saints
9. Kansas City Chiefs
10. New York Giants (from Bengals)
11. Miami Dolphins
12. Dallas Cowboys
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons)
14. Baltimore Ravens
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16. New York Jets (from Colts)
17. Detroit Lions
18: Minnesota Vikings
19: Carolina Panthers
20: Dallas Cowboys (from Packers)
21: Pittsburgh Steelers
22: Los Angeles Chargers
23: Philadelphia Eagles
24: Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars)
25: Chicago Bears
26: Buffalo Bills
27: San Francisco 49ers
28: Houston Texans
29: Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams)
30: Miami Dolphins (from Broncos)
31: New England Patriots
32: Seattle Seahawks
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