The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to choose Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. The projection pairs Becker with former Indiana teammate Fernando Mendoza, who was selected first overall in 2026 and recently became the Raiders’ starting quarterback after the team traded Kirk Cousins.
Becker’s speed, polished route-running and ability to track the ball across the field are among the traits supporting the projected fit. At 6 feet 4 inches and approximately 208 pounds, the junior has become one of the leading wide receiver prospects in the 2027 draft class.
## Raiders Could Use Help at Wide Receiver
Las Vegas has a shortage of proven receivers, making the position a potential priority in the first round. Becker’s production has strengthened his case: in 2025, he caught 34 passes for 679 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 20 yards per reception—the highest figure in the Big Ten.
Through nine games in 2026, Becker has recorded 50 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 17.5 yards per catch. He has not dropped a pass this season, and scouts have also highlighted his ability to make contested catches. Those qualities could complement Mendoza, who benefited from vertical receiving threats during Indiana’s 2025 national championship run.
## Becker’s Production and Athleticism
Becker emerged as an important downfield option during the second half of the 2025 season, as Mendoza led Indiana through its College Football Playoff run. Becker caught six passes for 126 yards in the Big Ten championship game against Ohio State and made key catches in the national title game against Miami.
His athletic background includes multiple Tennessee state titles in the hurdles during high school, and his long speed remains a notable part of his profile. Becker is regularly ranked among the top receivers in the 2027 class, with many projections placing him in the first round and within the top 15.
Other mock drafts have also linked Becker to Las Vegas, pointing to the Raiders’ need at receiver and his existing connection with Mendoza. In the projection placing Becker at No. 15, the Los Angeles Chargers take Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith first overall. Several quarterbacks and offensive tackles are selected before the Raiders’ pick. The mock also accounts for multiple deadline trades, including the Cousins deal that opened the door for Mendoza to start.
Draft projections may change as the college season continues and prospects move through the 2027 combine process. For now, Becker’s potential reunion with Mendoza stands out as a plausible fit based on the Raiders’ roster needs, the receiver’s production and their experience together at Indiana.
