After finishing as the worst team in the 2025 season by far, ending with only 4 wins, there is one advantage: having the first pick in the Draft, which allows them to select the best player available. Las Vegas Raiders, who urgently need a quarterback, are now in a position to choose Fernando Mendoza, the top prospect at the position.
This all stems from the Raiders’ failed project in the 2025 NFL season. General Manager John Spytek hired Pete Carroll as the team’s Head Coach and, in a trade, brought in Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks. While the move generated hope, it ultimately became a failed experiment.
Pete Carroll was fired after just one season, and Geno Smith, who led the league with 16 interceptions, remains on the roster, but fans no longer want to see him play. Unless the Raiders make a mistake, Fernando Mendoza will be the team’s new quarterback, and with him, the franchise will begin the rebuild that fans hope will bear fruit.
Fernando Mendoza needs weapons around him
It’s clear that Fernando Mendoza has talent, as he demonstrated in his final year at Indiana University, leading them to a historic 16-0 record with 41 touchdown passes and over 3,500 passing yards. He guided the program to its first national championship and won the Heisman Trophy. Despite these achievements, the NFL is a higher level, and he will need talented teammates around him.
In the running game, the Raiders have a strong player in Ashton Jeanty, who didn’t fully break out due to the team’s poor season. They also have Brock Bowers, who, despite injuries in 2025, has shown himself to be one of the NFL’s top tight ends. Las Vegas must now focus on providing Mendoza with a high-quality receiver.
At wide receiver, the Raiders have Tre Tucker, but that may not be enough. Early in the second round, they could have the opportunity to draft Omar Cooper Jr., a receiver from Indiana and a player Mendoza trusts completely. Reuniting them in Las Vegas could be very positive for the franchise.
Several scouts project Omar Cooper Jr. to be selected between picks 32 and 56, putting him within reach of the Raiders’ second pick. Cooper had nearly 1,000 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025. Continuing his career catching passes from Fernando Mendoza could be spectacular-for him, for the quarterback, and, most importantly, for the franchise.
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