The latest mock drafts around the internet hand the Las Vegas Raiders a surprising path to one of two intriguing quarterback prospects, reshaping expectations for general manager John Spytek’s strategy.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to predict the path that Spytek will take in 2026 in terms of the NFL draft. The Raiders haven’t invested a first-round pick in the quarterback in ages—if there ever was a time to do so again, it’s now. The temporary bandages that the Silver and Black have applied the last few years all ended in disaster. It’s time to build if you’re Spytek. Assuming no changes are made to the front office, the second-year executive will get a chance to deliver an organizational messiah.
In an intriguing twist, it does appear many publications are in line with this notion.
What are all of the mock drafts saying about the Raiders?
Ayrton Ostly of USA Today predicts that Las Vegas will end up with Oregon’s Dante Moore—and not Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
“With Mendoza off the board, our gift to the Raiders is another passer in Moore. The Oregon product hasn’t decided whether he’ll return to school in 2026. If he comes out, Las Vegas would be happy to have him. He’s less proven than Mendoza but has a higher ceiling with impressive mobility, deep ball accuracy and velocity.”
Interestingly enough, FOX Sports took a similar road with what the Raiders will be doing. They too see Moore as the selection when it’s all said and done.
“Geno Smith is 35 years old and hasn’t lived up to expectations in Las Vegas. Moore was the third-ranked QB in his high school class and fourth-ranked player in the country (according to 247Sports) and has shown flashes of brilliance all year.”
You then have FanSided, which predicts that the Raiders end up with the No. 1 pick and by doing so, they’ll call Mendoza’s name.
“The Raiders play against the New York Giants in what could end up being a battle for the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. And right now, the Raiders need it more. They even put Brock Bowers on IR to give themselves a better chance. Okay, we can’t say that as fact, that’s more tongue in cheek, but if the boot fits…”
At this point, Raiders fans just want a quarterback. Between now and Day 1 we’ll get into the Xs and Os as well as break down what each of these young signal-callers brings to the table. What we can all agree on is that Spytek will surely need to do whatever it takes to land either Moore or Mendoza.
What are your thoughts on all of this, Raider Nation? Do you have a personal preference?
*Top Photo: Getty Images