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The Las Vegas Raiders haven't had the NFL's No. 1 overall draft pick since 2007. Almost 19 years later, they are once again headed toward taking a quarterback at the top.
The Raiders, losers of 10 consecutive games, have a high percentage of locking down that opportunity again after Sunday's Week 17 home loss to the Giants, which gives them the unmatched league-worst 2-14 record going into the Week 18 finale.
The last time, the Raiders selected all-time QB bust JaMarcus Russell. This time, they will try to change their QB fortunes with the influence of minority owner Tom Brady.
Quarterback is the biggest team need after a disappointing season from veteran Geno Smith in his reunion with Pete Carroll. The offense as a whole underwhelmed enough to dismiss coordinator Chip Kelly during the season.
MORE: Geno Smith injured after second INT vs. Giants
That most important offensive position is the highest priority and that new rookie QB also needs more help from upgrading wide receiver and tackle. The Raiders also struggled defensively for Carroll around Maxx Crosby, who needs a complementary edge rusher and a lot of help in the secondary.
Here's a look at the six best options for the Raiders come next April 23 in Pittsburgh:
Ranking Raiders' No. 1 overall 2026 draft targets
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1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (6-foot-5, 225 pounds)
Brady (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) should see plenty of himself in Mendoza also coming out of the Big Ten. He is a strong, smart, accurate pocket passer with good situational awareness and rare competitive moxie. That also fits the mind-set of Carroll, someone who hangs tough physically and mentally to be the centerpiece of an entire team personnel overhaul.
2. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon (6-foot-3, 206 pounds)
Drafting Moore would provide the Raiders with some Brady-like intangibles and also remind Carroll of a young Russell Wilson. He makes all the throws with touch and accuracy and has plenty of big-time winning experience. Either Mendoza or Moore would make the most sense as the new face of the franchise and both have limited bust potential.
3. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6-foot-3, 275 pounds)
The defensive-minded Caroll might want to opt for the surefire best player available. Bain's devastating pass rush would give the team quite a 1-2 punch with Crosby, assuming he isn't traded. If Crosby does want a ticket out to give the Raiders another first-rounder, Bain would be his direct replacement with the team going after a QB later.
4. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (6-foot-2, 208 pounds)
Simpson has a chance to be in the top picks conversation with Moore and Mendoza in the pre-draft process. He is a great pocket passer with accurate qualities. He also delivered well in a good offensive system with coveted leadership. He would be an option at QB should the Raiders decide to trade the No. 1 pick and move down the draft.
MORE: Updated 2026 NFL Draft Order
5. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State (6-foot-4, 243 pounds)
The Raiders might be down with just going for the most unique defensive players on the board to try to give them another relentless, rangy playmaker to go with Crosby. Reese can produce as a pass rusher, cover man and run stopper and make a game-changing impact in all three capacities.
6. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6-foot-2, 200 pounds)
The Raiders went for "luxury" offensive skill by taking Ashton Jeanty No. 6 overall in the 2025 draft. Tyson is more of a real necessity for whoever is quarterback as the team has a major void there as it waits for the steady development of Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. Tyson is a long shot after the team also took tight end tight end Brock Bowers No. 13 overall in 2024, but that history also might say don't rule out such a non-QB.
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