If the Las Vegas Raiders are serious about changing the identity of the offense, you do that by pairing potential No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza with a new stud at wide receiver—luckily this year’s draft can facilitate that.
Every legendary quarterback in NFL history has had a preferred wide receiver; it’s only logical. For the Raiders, it’s time that they begin forming their own pair. If the Indiana star signal-caller will be the organization’s face, you give him a weapon where they can develop chemistry right out of the gate. Las Vegas already fields Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer, and Ashton Jeanty to complement Mendoza—helping his transition to the pro game.
The upcoming wide receiver draft class presents the Raiders with several intriguing options. Here’s one possible scenario to consider.
Raiders 2-Round Mock Draft: A new star duo in Sin City?
Round 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza is pushing the Raiders to consider a difficult question: What if the quarterback deemed “safe” is, in fact, the optimal selection? Raider Nation is clamoring for a new quarterback, and as things stand, Mendoza appears to be the only choice on the table.
This past season at Indiana, he completed more than 72 percent of his throws for 3,500-plus yards, with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions. The efficiency was not hollow. He lived near the top of the FBS in passer rating and adjusted yards per attempt, then backed it up in the big moments—the Big Ten title game and the national championship—with poise, command, and accuracy.
Mendoza, standing at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, exudes confidence. His mechanics are clean, his release is quick, and his ball placement is consistent on the throws that keep NFL offenses on schedule. He is not a highlight runner, but he is functional: boots, RPOs, and timely scrambles.
Simply put, Mendoza knows how to win—something that the Raiders haven’t done much of lately. Still, to do that, he’ll need help.
Related: Tyler Linderbaum should be atop of GM John Spytek’s list
Round 2: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Germie Bernard is the kind of receiver teams draft when they are tired of “traits” and want functional offense.
Germie Bernard is a QB’s best friend
Wanna get your young QB going? Bernard is the guy pic.twitter.com/jC8XPXofSN
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 1, 2026
He is a skilled route runner with the ability to run the entire route tree and excel on intermediate in-breakers and out-breakers. He is strong at the catch point, competes through contact, and understands spacing against the zone. Alabama treated him like an offensive piece, not just a wideout—snaps in the backfield, jet action, shovel looks, and the occasional throw. That versatility is real, and it shows up when plays break down. He makes the correct decision, protects the ball, and gets what is there.
The limitations are straightforward. His long speed is average by NFL standards, so he wins with timing and technique, not separation down the field. His versatility also means he is more “complete” than specialized. He is not a classic WR1, but he can be a high-level supporting target—reliable routes, tough catches, and built-in answers for a young quarterback such as Mendoza.
Thoughts on this offensive haul, Raider Nation?
*Top Photo: Getty Images/The Crimson White