With the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders are hoping to select their franchise quarterback. Beyond that, they will need to surround their next quarterback with support. Using the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator, here’s a look at how the Raiders could approach the draft.
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana | QB
Round 1, Pick 1
Coming off a national championship win, Fernando Mendoza appears to be a lock as the Raiders’ selection. He just wrapped up a special, Heisman-winning season, leading Indiana to a historic 16-0 campaign. As a draft prospect, Mendoza offers a prototypical frame, quality experience, and pinpoint accuracy.
He has been a starter since midway through the 2023 season, dating back to his time at California. Mendoza is listed at 6’5″, 225 pounds. Throughout the year, he demonstrated both physical and mental toughness, absorbing hard hits while continuing to make plays for his team.
Elijah Sarratt, Indiana | WR
Round 2, Pick 36
As noted above, the Raiders will have to do everything in their power to support Mendoza. Right after selecting him, they add one of his top receivers from Indiana, Elijah Sarratt, with whom he built strong chemistry. The two consistently displayed phenomenal chemistry on back shoulder throws all year.
As a draft prospect, Sarratt is well-known for his ability to dominate at the catch point. He has the size, listed at 6’2″, 213 pounds, and strong hands to win in contested catch situations routinely. In 2025, Sarratt scored 15 touchdowns in 13 games played. He would address a key need for the Raiders after selecting Mendoza.
Romello Height, Texas Tech | EDGE
Round 3, Pick 67
Romello Height is an older prospect, but a gifted pass rusher. He is coming off a breakout season in which he recorded 10 sacks. Listed at 6’3″, 240 pounds, Height is undersized for the position, but he compensates with elite athleticism.
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He can explode off the edge and quickly overwhelm offensive tackles. With Maxx Crosby’s future seemingly uncertain, Height could be needed to bolster the Raiders’ pass rush.
Austin Barber, Florida | OT
Round 4, Pick 102
Austin Barber is an experienced offensive tackle prospect. Since 2022, Barber has started 38 games for Florida. He is highly regarded for his strength and size, listed at 6’6″, 314 pounds. To give Mendoza a chance to succeed, the Raiders will need to protect him up front. Barber has the potential to develop into a starting-caliber offensive tackle.
Tim Keenan III, Alabama | DT
Round 4, Pick 124
Tim Keenan III could contribute immediately to the Raiders’ run defense. Listed at 6’2″, 320 pounds, Keenan has the size to occupy blocks and hold his ground. He earned a starting role for Alabama in 2023 and has held onto it since. In 2025, Keenan served as a permanent team captain. His most productive statistical season came in 2024, when he posted 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech | LB
Round 4, Pick 134
Jacob Rodriguez is coming off a Butkus Award-winning season as the nation’s top linebacker. He recorded 10 tackles for loss and seven forced fumbles, leading the country in the latter. Rodriguez has been highly productive over the past two seasons at Texas Tech. In 2024, he totaled 126 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and five passes defended.
Jalen Huskey, Maryland | S
Round 5, Pick 175
Jalen Huskey transferred to Maryland in 2024 and has been a productive starter over the past two seasons. In 2025, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. Listed at 6’2″, 201 pounds, Huskey brings a tall, physical presence to the secondary.
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He has also shown a knack for takeaways, recording three interceptions in 2024 and following that with four more in 2025.
Daylen Everette, Georgia | CB
Round 6, Pick 180
Daylen Everette spent four years at Georgia and became a starter in 2023. His best season in terms of interceptions came in 2024, when he recorded three. Everette posted a career-high 11 passes defended in 2025. Listed at 6’1″, 190 pounds, he offers press-man coverage potential thanks to his length and athleticism.
Pat Coogan, Indiana | C
Round 6, Pick 183
The Raiders add more familiarity for Mendoza by selecting his center, Pat Coogan. Like Mendoza, Coogan transferred to Indiana in 2025. He spent the first four years of his collegiate career at Notre Dame, becoming a starter in 2023 at left guard. In 2024, he transitioned to center and held that role for the Hoosiers during their championship run.
Noah Whittington, Oregon | RB
Round 7, Pick 219
Noah Whittington spent four seasons at Oregon, rushing for 2,294 yards and 19 touchdowns. He is coming off his best season, in which he ran for 829 yards at 6.4 yards per carry and scored six touchdowns. He has also contributed on special teams, averaging 29 yards per kick return in 2024.
