The Raiders’ search for their next QB gets clearer when you look at the prospects they should actually be prioritizing. DH
The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to draft a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. What tiers are their prospects in?
The Las Vegas Raiders are hight likely to get another top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With four games remaining, the Silver and Black are at the No. 2 overall pick right now. If the Raiders lose the last four, they will have the first overall pick.
That is a pick they have not had since the 2007 NFL Draft, and we all know how that turned out for the Raiders.
The Raiders are in need of a quarterback after they did not take one in the 2025 NFL Draft. They have seen what they got in veteran quarterback Geno Smith this season, and it has not been good. It makes all the sense for the Raiders to select a quarterback with their first round pick. It is also the team’s biggest need.
The top two quarterbacks coming out of College Football are Fernando Mendoza out of the University of Indiana and Dante Moore out of the University of Oregon. Those are the clear favorites to be selected as the top quarterbacks. Both are having great seasons as they are leading their teams into the College Football Playoff.
Daniel Flick of Sports Illustrated gave his latest quarterback tiers of the players that are coming into the NFL next season, and here is where he has Moore and Mendoza.
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Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
“Mendoza is the odds-on favorite for the Heisman Trophy after leading the FBS with 33 touchdown passes, and he enters the College Football Playoff as the top candidate to be the first quarterback taken in the draft. The 6′ 5″, 225-pound Mendoza blends size with quality arm strength and enough athleticism to extend plays and pick up yards as a runner. As a high school recruit, Mendoza had an offer from Yale, and his intelligence translates to the field.
He’s a tremendous processor who understands spacing, timing, rhythm and leverage, and he clicks through reads at a strong pace. Mendoza is accurate and potent at layering passes, and he can stretch defenses on vertical shots or throws to the far hash. He’s the most well-rounded passer in the class.”
Dante Moore, Oregon
“After a rocky midseason stretch marked by subpar performances against Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa forced some to reconsider whether Moore would even enter the 2026 draft, the redshirt sophomore enjoyed a strong finish to the regular season. Moore is a natural passer who has impressed evaluators with his poise and resiliency in big moments and harsh environments.
He has quality tools, from his pocket mobility and arm strength to his touch and accuracy. Moore may have the most raw talent among this year’s quarterbacks, and a team may take a swing on him before Mendoza as a result.”
