NFL Draft 2026: Full list of selections after first round - Fernando Mendoza steals the spotlight on opening night with Raiders’ No. 1 pick

Las Vegas Raiders made a defining move in the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. The 22-year-old quarterback, coming off a Heisman-winning season and a national championship run with Indiana Hoosiers football, is now expected to lead the franchise into a new era. Mendoza’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. He guided Indiana to a historic 16-0 season, throwing 41 touchdowns against just six interceptions while completing 72 percent of his passes. The championship marked the program’s first national title, a stunning turnaround for a team that entered the season with the most losses in FBS history.

For the Raiders, this selection signals a fresh start. The team has struggled for sustained success, with their last playoff win dating back to the 2002 season and only two postseason appearances since. Mendoza also becomes the franchise’s first No. 1 overall pick since JaMarcus Russell in 2007.



Mendoza's journey to the top wasn’t straightforward. Growing up near Miami Hurricanes football, Mendoza was overlooked in recruiting despite leading his high school team to a state title. He began his college career at California Golden Bears football before transferring to Indiana, where he blossomed into a star and ultimately the top pick in the draft.

FULL LIST OF SELECTIONS AFTER FIRST ROUND OF 2026 NFL DRAFT

• 1. Las Vegas Raiders - Fernando Mendoza
• 2. New York Jets - David Bailey
• 3. Arizona Cardinals Jeremiyah Love
• 4. Tennessee Titans - Carnell Tate
• 5. New York Giants - Arvell Reese
• 6. Kansas City Chiefs (from CLE) - Mansoor Delane
• 7. Washington Commanders - Sonny Styles
• 8. New Orleans Saints - Jordyn Tyson
• 9. Cleveland Browns (from KC) - Spencer Fano
• 10. New York Giants (from CIN) - Franics Mauigoa
• 11. Dallas Cowboys (from MIA) - Caleb Downs
• 12. Miami Dolphins (from DAL) - Kadyn Proctor
• 13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL) - Ty Simpson
• 14. Baltimore Ravens - Olaivavega Ioane
• 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Rueben Bain Jr.
• 16. New York Jets (from IND) - Kenyon Sadiq
• 17. Detroit Lions - Blake Miller
• 18. Minnesota Vikings - Caleb Banks
• 19. Carolina Panthers - Monroe Freeling
• 20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB) - Makai Lemon
• 21. Pittsburgh Steelers - Max Iheanachor
• 22. Los Angeles Chargers - Akheem Mesidor
• 23. Dallas Cowboys (From PE) - Malachi Lawrence
• 24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX) - KC Concepcion
• 25. Chicago Bears - Dillon Thieneman
• 26. Houston Texans (from BB) - Keylan Rutledge
• 27. Miami Dolphins (from SF) - Chris Johnson
• 28. New England Patriots (from BB) - Caleb Lomu
• 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR) - Peter Woods
• 30. New York Jets (from SF) - Omar Cooper Jr.
• 31. Tennessee Titans (from BB) - Keldric Faulk
• 32. Seattle Seahawks - Jadarian Price