Projecting NFL draft quarterback landing spots, from No. 1 to No. 215: New homes for nine passers
Why it matters: The projection of Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 pick will significantly impact the Las Vegas Raiders' future.
- Fernando Mendoza, Indiana's quarterback, is projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, going to the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak's offense heavily utilizes under-center alignments, a stark contrast to Mendoza's college experience with only five such dropbacks over two seasons.
- The author dismisses concerns about Mendoza's lack of under-center experience, arguing that NFL teams are adept at mitigating this issue with various offensive adjustments and that Mendoza's intelligence will aid his transition.
This NFL draft analysis projects ideal landing spots for nine draftable quarterbacks in the 2026 class, prioritizing scheme fit, team need, and draft capital. The author predicts Fernando Mendoza will be the No. 1 overall pick to the Las Vegas Raiders, despite concerns about his limited experience with under-center alignments in college.
