General manager John Spytek confirmed that teams have been calling about the No. 1 pick, though he signaled the Raiders are not inclined to trade. “We’ve gotten a few calls, and those teams know where they stand right now,” Spytek said at the pre-draft press conference, a stance that aligns with their offseason posture.
Having the No. 1 pick provides a strategic edge, Spytek noted, pointing to the ability to target the exact player the franchise wants. “There’s only one team that can get the exact person that they want,” he said, underscoring the advantage of maintaining control at the top of the draft.
Attention will also be focused on the Raiders’ quarterback room this offseason, which includes Kirk Cousins and a developing young quarterback in Mendoza. Spytek emphasized a merit-based approach, stating, “Ultimately, this is a meritocracy, and the best guy will play,” while acknowledging the challenge for a rookie to start early but citing recent examples of successful transitions.
In the end, Las Vegas appears positioned to bet on Mendoza developing into a franchise quarterback on a rookie deal, rather than trading down for additional picks. The top pick offers long-term stability and a clear path to building around a potential franchise signal-caller, with the organization hopeful Mendoza’s development aligns with the surrounding talent.
