March 4, 2026, 6:01 a.m. PT<\/p>\n
The Las Vegas Raiders<\/a> 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<\/a>. It was another step towards confirming they’ll select Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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<\/a>. “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.”<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n