Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Raiders fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Las Vegas Raiders started a new era on Thursday night on day one of the 2026 NFL draft. They took their first quarterback in the first round since 2007 by selecting Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. Mendoza is the 2025 Heisman Trophy Winner and helped lead the Hoosiers to their first-ever
national championship.
Mendoza will spark the fanbase, which has been quarterback-starved since Derek Carr’s departure. With a young quarterback in place, there is optimism for the future, especially when paired with top play-caller Klint Kubiak. Kubiak has maximized every QB he has coached and called plays for, and fans are expecting the same for Mendoza.
In today’s SB Nation Reacts, we ask Raider Nation to grade the pick of Fernando Mendoza. Let us know your thoughts in the survey below.
Check out the latest NFL odds at Fanduel Sportsbook.
