The buzz around the quarterback situation at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft is really starting to pick up. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the choice may boil down to whether they want someone ready to step in immediately or a player with exceptional potential.
In Todd McShay’s Mock Draft 1.0, he predicts that the Raiders will go for Oregon quarterback Dante Moore over Indiana standout Fernando Mendoza. This decision highlights the significant differences in opinion among league scouts regarding the two leading quarterbacks in college football.
Why Dante Moore Could Edge Out Fernando Mendoza
Speaking on Wake Up Barstool, McShay laid out the internal NFL debate he’s hearing from general managers and head coaches. Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, is widely viewed as the more polished and game-ready option. He has the maturity. And he has proven he can carry a team immediately.
“If you’ve got to go win a game right now, or win the most games in year one, Mendoza is the most ready,” McShay said.
Mendoza led Indiana to a perfect 14–0 record, throwing for 3,172 yards and 42 total touchdowns with just six interceptions. He also brings value with his mobility, and coaches rave about his ability to extend plays. Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti called that trait the “winning edge,” pointing to countless big moments where Mendoza’s mobility kept drives alive.
But Moore, who has 41 total touchdowns in his career, keeps pulling teams back into the discussion.
In @McShay13 ‘s Mock 1.0
He has the Raiders drafting Dante Moore ahead of Fernando Mendoza pic.twitter.com/BqpnPueydH
— Wake Up Barstool (@wakeupbarstool) January 8, 2026
McShay described Moore as “the best pure passer” in the class. The phrase that comes up repeatedly is “instincts.” Catchable balls. Layered throws. Touch at every level. Traits that are harder to teach.
“There’s a lot to like about Dante Moore,” McShay said. “He does things as a passer that very few do.”
This season, Moore threw for 3,280 yards and 30 total touchdowns while completing 72.9 percent of his passes. His lone loss came against Mendoza’s Indiana team in Eugene, a game where Moore struggled late but showed growth afterward.
Moore will likely finish with 10 to 12 fewer career starts than Mendoza. History matters there. NFL decision-makers know it.
McShay noted that while Mendoza’s leadership style can divide opinions online, players rally around him in real life. Still, when teams project five to ten years down the road, Moore’s arm talent keeps him firmly in the conversation.
For the Raiders, this becomes a philosophical choice. Do they want the quarterback who looks ready to stabilize a franchise quickly? Or the one who might take longer but could eventually become special? McShay made it clear this debate is far from settled.
