Trending Now - 2026 NFL Mock Draft Updates for Raiders and Titans
WHO:
President Trump
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Tyler Linderbaum, center, three-time Pro Bowler
Geno Smith, former starting QB for the Raiders
Aidan O'Connell, QB for the Raiders
Klint Kubiak, head coach of the Raiders
Ashton Jeanty, running back
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Jalen Nailor, wide receiver
Maxx Crosby, player for the Raiders
WHAT:
The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Raiders signed Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal.
The Raiders traded Geno Smith to the Jets.
Mendoza led FBS with 41 touchdown passes in the 2025 season and won the Heisman Trophy.
The Raiders are expected to add a veteran quarterback during the offseason.
The Dolphins traded WR Jaylen Waddle and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Broncos for a 2026 first-round pick (No. 30), a 2026 third-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick.
WHERE:
Las Vegas, Nevada
Indiana (for Fernando Mendoza)
WHEN:
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.
The trade involving Jaylen Waddle occurred in March 2026.
WHY:
The Raiders are building their team around Fernando Mendoza, focusing on improving the offensive line and quarterback position.
HOW:
The Raiders signed Tyler Linderbaum to support Mendoza's development and improve interior blocking.
The Raiders traded Geno Smith to clear the way for Mendoza to start.
(UPDATED March 17, 2026 19:29 UTC)
In a significant move, the Las Vegas Raiders are projected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, following his impressive season where he led FBS with 41 touchdown passes and won the Heisman Trophy. To bolster their offensive line and support Mendoza's development, the Raiders have signed three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year deal worth $81 million, while also trading Geno Smith to the Jets to clear the path for Mendoza to take the starting role. In other NFL news, the Dolphins recently traded wide receiver Jaylen Waddle along with a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Broncos in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick, a third-round pick, and another fourth-round pick.