March 4, 2026, 6:01 a.m. PT
The Las Vegas Raiders returned from the NFL Combine knowing more about their potential pre-draft plans. John Spytek and Co. had an opportunity to formally meet with Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. It was another step towards confirming they’ll select Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid recently released a two-round 2026 NFL mock draft. Following the NFL Combine, mock drafts arrived in fast and furious fashion. Naturally, Reid has the Raiders taking Mendoza at No. 1.
“The Raiders haven’t drafted a QB in the first round since 2007 (JaMarcus Russell), but you can write this pick down with a marker,” Reid wrote. “It would be a stunner if Las Vegas elected not to draft Mendoza. The clear top QB in this year’s class has a combination of accuracy, resiliency and decision-making — exactly what the Raiders need under center.”
Everyone knows the Raiders are taking Mendoza. What was more interesting about Reid’s mock for Raiders fans was including a second-round selection. Reid went with Texas Tech nose tackle Lee Hunter at No. 36 overall.
“The Raiders are switching to a 3-4 defense next season and need a centerpiece on their front,” Reid said about the Hunter pick. “Hunter is a massive presence in the middle (6-foot-4, 318 pounds) and a player you can build a culture around.”
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It’s true the Raiders are transitioning to a 3-4 defense on early downs. That alignment typically requires a big space-eating nose tackle on early downs. Hunter definitely has the size and run-stopping prowess needed to play that role in Rob Leonard’s new-look defense.