March 25, 2026, 6:30 p.m. PT<\/p>\n
Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders<\/a> with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is a foregone conclusion in pre-draft projections, but what about Ohio State standout Kayden McDonald for the next time that the franchise goes up to select?<\/p>\n According to ESPN\u2019s Field Yates,<\/a> the Raiders<\/a> take Mendoza at No. 1 overall, per usual, followed by McDonald at No. 36 in the second round.<\/p>\n \u201cUnder\u00a0new defensive coordinator\u00a0Rob Leonard, the Raiders are expected to a play 3-4 defense,\u201d Yates wrote. \u201cThere is no better option to anchor that scheme than McDonald, who is the best run stuffer in this class and added 3.0 sacks in 2025. He is rugged at the point of attack, using his powerful hands to control interior offensive linemen.\u201d<\/p>\n McDonald was a unanimous first-team All-American in 2025. The Georgia native produced three sacks as well as nine tackles for loss last season for Ohio State. McDonald has the skills as well as the infectious style of play to add to the Raiders\u2019 pass rush next season.<\/p>\n As for Mendoza, no prospect has been able to unseat him as the popular choice for the Raiders at No. 1 in pre-draft projections. The 2026 NFL Combine,as well as free agency, have not created a new dynamic for that to take place either. Indiana<\/a> will hold its Pro Day on April 1, which will give the Raiders the opportunity to see Mendoza show off the arm that fueled him to win the Heisman Trophy in 2025.<\/p>\n