The Las Vegas Raiders have an opportunity to help Maxx Crosby in this year’s NFL draft by addressing their putrid pass rush. In fact, the early second round will be the sweet spot.
For an organization that’s entering a full rebuild, the Raiders will have plenty of needs ahead of both the draft and free agency. Regardless of who ends up as head coach, the lack of talent up and down the roster is glaring. One way that general manager John Spytek can help himself is by taking care of two highly pivotal conundrums: the quarterback position and the aforementioned abhorrent pass rush.
Luckily for the team’s brain trust, the Raiders could easily choose to mark these two items off their list in the first two rounds. Let’s examine this potential scenario.
Raiders 2-Round Mock Draft: Can they finally get Maxx Crosby some help?
Round 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
It’s been a disastrous run of quarterbacks since Derek Carr’s departure that’s led the Raiders to this moment. The No. 1 overall pick, a chance to vanquish the JaMarcus Russell curse and finally land a franchise signal-caller. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is without question the consensus top quarterback, more so after Oregon’s Dante Moore opted to return to school. That decision essentially simplified the equation for Spytek and the Raiders.
Indiana’s college championship run truly showcased Mendoza’s knack for big moments. He threw eight touchdowns (with only five incompletions) in that last stretch versus the “traditional” powerhouses of Oregon and Alabama. No matter how you slice it, Mendoza got the job done. His accuracy is his strongest trait—it makes up for above-average arm strength, which isn’t necessarily elite by NFL standards but will be sufficient. Against Miami in that last game of the college season, he showed off his mobility, and while he’s not Michael Vick, he’ll make things happen with his legs when it’s called for.
Speaking of Miami…
Round 2: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Someone whom Mendoza became familiar with was Miami’s Akheem Mesidor. Mendoza faced constant pressure in the National Championship, and one of those responsible for going after the Heisman winner was the ACC’s sack leader. His 12.5 total from this past season shows his pass-rushing prowess, something that the Raiders desperately need.
Sack numbers aside, Mesidor is a true game-wrecker; he recorded 26.5 tackles for a loss over the past two seasons. In 2025 alone, he amassed four forced fumbles as well. Despite a foot injury sidelining him back in 2023, Mesidor has done more than enough to squash any concerns. For the Raiders, they’ll be in prime position to draft him in the high second round. Possessing immense football acumen and a pro-ready arsenal of moves along with polished technique, Mesidor could feasibly make an immediate impact alongside Crosby.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/Zach Bolinger