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In a PFF 2026 NFL Mock Draft simulation run after free agency, the Las Vegas Raiders selected a diverse group of offensive and defensive players to address their many roster needs. The headliner is quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana, who the Raiders take with the first overall pick. They then add an impact guard in Emmanuel Pregnon, a speedy running back in Mike Washington Jr., and several developmental offensive linemen and defensive players throughout the rest of the draft.

Why it matters

The Raiders have several holes to fill after an active free agency period, including at quarterback, offensive line, and on the defensive front seven. This draft class could provide an immediate boost to the offense around Mendoza while also adding depth and potential starters on defense. If the Raiders can hit on these picks, they could be poised to make a playoff push in 2026.

The details

With the first overall pick, the Raiders select quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. Mendoza is a proven winner who has overcome doubts about his physical tools to develop into an NFL-caliber passer. In the second round, the Raiders land guard Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon, a powerful interior lineman who should start right away. They then add running back Mike Washington Jr. from Arkansas in the third round, giving them a speedy change-of-pace back to complement starter Ashton Jeanty. The Raiders continue to focus on the offensive line in the fourth round, taking tackle prospects Aamil Wagner from Notre Dame and Nolan Rucci from Penn State. On defense, they add edge rusher Keyron Crawford from Auburn and defensive back Bud Clark from TCU in the fourth round.

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place on April 23-25, 2026.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

A quarterback from Indiana University who the Raiders select with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Emmanuel Pregnon

An offensive guard from the University of Oregon who the Raiders select in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Mike Washington Jr.

A running back from the University of Arkansas who the Raiders select in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Keyron Crawford

An edge rusher from Auburn University who the Raiders select in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Bud Clark

A defensive back from TCU who the Raiders select in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Mendoza is the only option at No. 1 for a quarterback-needy team like the Raiders. That doesn’t mean he’s not an excellent option. Mendoza built himself into a championship-winning QB on his journey from 3-star recruit to Yale commit to Cal to Indiana.”

— Tim Crean, Author

“After getting screwed out of a potential impact offensive lineman when the Maxx Crosby trade fell through, draft karma would come around for the Raiders if Emmanuel Pregnon fell in their lap in the second round.”

— Tim Crean, Author

What’s next

The Raiders will look to sign any undrafted free agents and continue to evaluate their roster ahead of training camp in the summer of 2026.

The takeaway

The Raiders appear to have addressed several key needs in this 2026 NFL Draft, adding a potential franchise quarterback in Mendoza, reinforcing the offensive line, and adding depth and upside on both sides of the ball. If these picks pan out, the Raiders could be poised to make a playoff push next season.