Heading into the 2026 NFL offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders face significant changes. Fortunately, the organization holds the No. 1 overall pick and No. 36 in the second round. With a prime opportunity to revamp the offense, the Raiders are projected to make a bold move that could pay off in a major way.
Raiders Predicted to Reunite Star College Duo in 2026 NFL Draft
On Saturday, Feb. 21, PFSN analyst Jacob Infante released a seven-round NFL mock draft, projecting every team’s selections this spring. With the first overall pick, Infante predicted the Raiders would draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
As Infante wrote, “With the Las Vegas Raiders picking No. 1 in the 2026 NFL Draft, the assumption is that they’ll select a quarterback to replace Geno Smith. Considering he led the NFL in interceptions and finished No. 34 in the PFSN NFL QB Impact Metric, he fell well short of expectations in 2025.”
He added, “Fernando Mendoza is a well-built, poised, and intelligent quarterback who sees the field well and has a natural sense of timing behind his throws.”
The prediction was unsurprising, as Mendoza led Indiana to a perfect 16-0 record, a national championship victory, and the Heisman Trophy. The 22-year-old also posted a 93.3 QB Impact Score, ranking No. 2 among all passers, according to PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Metric.
Where the mock draft became particularly intriguing for Raiders and Hoosiers fans was at pick No. 36. In the second round, Infante projected Las Vegas to select Mendoza’s top wide receiver at Indiana, Omar Cooper Jr.
Infante described Cooper as “an impressive wide receiver with strong ball skills, coordination, and strong hands. If he continues to develop as a route runner, he has the potential to be an impact starter. Reuniting him with Mendoza in Las Vegas would be a dream landing spot for him.”
In 2025, Cooper recorded 69 receptions for 937 yards and eight touchdowns. He ranked 10th among all pass-catchers, according to PFSN’s CFB WR Impact Metric.
Largely due to the Mendoza–Cooper duo, Indiana’s offense ranked first among all units, per PFSN’s CFB Offense Impact Metric. While the transition to the NFL may require an adjustment period, the long-term upside could be substantial.
With Mendoza and Cooper’s connection, playmakers Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, and first-year head coach Klint Kubiak calling plays, Las Vegas would have a major opportunity to rebuild and reignite an offense that ranked No. 31 in 2025.
