.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
The Las Vegas Raiders hit rock bottom in 2025. By the grace of the NFL's parity, that kind of stain could prove temporary.
Las Vegas has the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a need under center. It's a one-quarterback class, and Indiana Hoosiers passer Fernando Mendoza seems like an awfully good fit in head coach Klint Kubiak's scheme.
There's a new era coming in Sin City, and Kubiak's ability to amplify Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers with an injection of talent could determine his long-term success.
Top fits for the Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The draft starts at No. 2. Mendoza is all but guaranteed to wear silver and black next season, not just because of his Heisman-winning campaign, but also because of how well he meshes with Kubiak.
There is little debate about Mendoza's acumen within structure. Indiana ran plenty of RPOs to shrink his sample size of "real" reps, but Mendoza's body of work remained impressive. His footwork is strong, he keeps the ball out of harm's way, and he was effective in play-action without being reliant on it.
Mendoza checks the box with his arm talent and processes the field well. He's more Sam Darnold than Kirk Cousins, but Kubiak proved that's a profile he can win with.
C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
Part of the reason why Pete Carroll isn't coaching the Raiders in 2026 is that his defense fell apart, most notably up the middle. The spine of Las Vegas's defense crumbled, headlined by Devin White's immense struggles.
Allen has all the makings of a Mike linebacker and comes without the lightweight concerns of this generation's linebackers. Allen is among the best run defenders in the class, blending elite processing, burst, and play strength. That dynamism translates to coverage fairly well, and if he can effectively flip his hips at the next level, he'll become a star.
That's a tall task for any linebacker prospect, but Allen has a higher floor than most athletic linebackers and played an integral role in Kirby Smart's defense. Early on Day 2, he could be a centerpiece of the next good Raiders defense.
Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
If one Georgia Bulldog doesn't sway Kubiak in Round 2, another might. Miller has long been a top-50 prospect in this class and added to his quality track record in 2025.
Miller is a run-first tackle who can consistently win as a 1- or 3-tech at the next level. There are enough ingredients to project modest development as a pass rusher, although his sack ceiling won't be the reason he's a fringe-first-round pick.
MORE: Klint Kubiak breaks silence on speculation about Maxx Crosby's future
Miller adds competence and physicality to a defensive line that is in desperate need of talent to pair with Maxx Crosby. A two-year starter who played up to his SEC competition, Miller is a safe bet to insulate Las Vegas's line, should he be on the board for the 36th pick.
Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
With Bowers in the building and significant needs on both sides of the ball, finding a top pass-catcher may not be a priority for Las Vegas. One way to find a game-changer at a discount would be rolling the dice on Thompson, who might threaten the 40-yard dash record in Indianapolis.
Thompson's ability to stack corners vertically may keep him on the boundary, even as his 5'9" frame pushes him toward the slot. In either event, his speed should carve out a role for him, albeit on a rotational basis, and his burst makes him an explosive play waiting to happen. Kubiak showed an affinity for manufacturing creative looks with Rashid Shaheed; Thompson has a similar ability to turn unfavorable looks into house calls.
Genesis Smith, SAF, Arizona
The Raiders simply didn't have the horses to compete in the AFC West last season, and Carroll didn't help his defense out schematically. Those holes punctured much of the defense, including safety. Without a true center-fielder, the Raiders were liable to give up explosives and slimmed the margins on a below-average group of cornerbacks.
Genesis Smith, meanwhile, might be the best true free safety in the class. There is work to be done coming downhill against the run, but his ball skills, burst, and length make him a plug-and-play starter in a porous secondary. At the end of Day 2 or beginning of Day 3, Smith provides starter-level value and a path to immediate playing time.
English (US)