- The High Stakes: Raiders GM John Spytek confirmed Tuesday he has fielded multiple trade inquiries for the No. 1 overall pick.
- The Prize: Despite the calls, Indiana QB and Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza remains the heavy favorite to land in Las Vegas.
- Clock is Ticking: The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off in Pittsburgh on April 23, leaving Spytek only eight days to finalize a franchise-altering decision.
LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Raiders hold the keys to the 2026 NFL Draft, and the phone won’t stop ringing. General Manager John Spytek told reporters Tuesday that while he is listening to offers for the No. 1 overall pick, he won’t move the selection unless a team offers a haul that is impossible to ignore.
The Mendoza Factor: To Trade or to Pick?
Las Vegas finds itself in a classic draft-day dilemma. On one hand, Fernando Mendoza is the most decorated prospect in years. The Indiana standout didn’t just win the Heisman; he carried the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 record and a national title last season. On the other hand, the Raiders already have veteran Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell in the room.
Spytek didn’t blink when asked about the pressure. “We’ve gotten a few calls, and those teams know where they stand,” Spytek said. The Raiders GM emphasized a “meritocracy” approach, noting that while the team added Cousins, the “best guy will play.”
Scouts view Mendoza as a Day 1 starter who can transform a franchise instantly. He threw for over 4,500 yards and 42 touchdowns in his final collegiate campaign, showcasing the kind of elite processing and arm talent that rarely hits the open market. If the Raiders stay put, Mendoza becomes the 30th quarterback to go No. 1 overall in the common draft era.
What They Said
“Ultimately, this is a meritocracy, and the best guy will play. It’s just really hard to play really well at a young age. But we’ve seen plenty of quarterbacks do it recently. We added Kirk, we have Aidan, and we’ll see how it goes.”
— John Spytek, Las Vegas Raiders General Manager
“If there’s a player that stands out that we feel it’s not worth losing, it’s not worth even picking up the phone. Then we’ll just make the pick.”
— Spytek on the possibility of a trade-down
Pittsburgh Bound: What’s Next for the Raiders?
The Raiders are 10 days away from a decision that defines the next decade of the Silver and Black. If Spytek pulls the trigger on a trade, expect a team like the Jets or Giants to move up for a king’s ransom. However, the consensus remains that Las Vegas won’t let a talent like Mendoza slip through their fingers.
The draft begins April 23 in Pittsburgh. Whether the Raiders pick or pivot, the NFL world is watching Las Vegas.
