Round 1, Pick 1: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana. Mendoza is presented as the top quarterback prospect in the 2026 draft class, described as a national championship- and Heisman-winning passer who would be a clear top pick despite a weaker overall QB class. The analysis notes the decision would hinge on whether the Raiders’ future staff can develop him, but emphasizes that, with the top pick, Mendoza would be hard to pass up.
Round 2, Pick 36: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami. Mesidor is characterized as a boom-or-bust edge rusher with game‑wrecker potential who logged more sacks this season than some high-roe prospects. The pick is justified as a move to pair a premier pass rusher with Maxx Crosby, provided Mesidor remains available at 36 and the evaluation fits the Raiders’ timeline.
Round 3, Pick 67: LB Josiah Trotter, Missouri. Trotter is described as an old‑school, downhill linebacker who excels in run defense. He may not be a perfect three‑down, pass-coverage option, but he could be a solid early-down presence in the Raiders’ base package.
Round 4, Pick 102: OT Austin Barber, Florida. Barber is noted for versatility on the line, having played both tackle spots and potentially projecting as a guard. In a unit that finished last in the league, Barber could contribute immediately alongside existing blockers to improve the line play.
Round 4, Pick 117: WR Eric McAlister, TCU. McAlister is a speed-focused deep threat with some route-running ability, reuniting with teammate Jack Bech to add speed and vertical threat to the receiver corps.
Round 4, Pick 134: TE Josh Cuevas, Alabama. Cuevas is described as a smaller, move-tight end who runs routes quickly and could compete for the TE3 role behind Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, adding another pass-catching option for Mendoza.
Round 5, Pick 174: WR Dane Key, Nebraska. Key is a 6-foot-3 wideout valued for technical route work and reliability, intended to provide another skilled target to complement the Raiders’ fast, attack-minded receiving corps.
Round 6, Pick 181: DL Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss. Harris stands 6-foot-8 and 330 pounds, offering a high-upside physical presence on the defensive line, though he carries concerns off the field that would need careful handling.
Round 6, Pick 184: S Robert Spears-Jennings, Oklahoma. Spears-Jennings is described as a versatile safety comfortable in-box or in coverage, leveraging ball-tracking ability from his athletic background to match up in multiple alignments.
Round 7, Pick 219: TE Riley Nowakowski, Indiana. Nowakowski is a smaller tight end who could contribute as a move‑tight end in late-round depth charts, with the notable connection to Mendoza potentially helping him stick on the roster.
Overall, the mock draft portrays a plan that prioritizes securing a franchise quarterback in Mendoza while layering in offensive line, pass-catching, and defensive depth to support a developing roster. The accuracy of any draft outcome will depend on real-team evaluations, coaching changes, and how these prospects perform between now and April.
