INDIANAPOLIS — The Las Vegas Raiders control the 2026 NFL Draft. General Manager John Spytek and newly hired Head Coach Klint Kubiak sit on a mountain of resources: the No. 1 overall pick, 10 total draft selections, and a massive war chest of salary cap space. They do not just intend to participate in this offseason; they plan to dictate it. The primary target staring them in the face is Indiana’s Heisman-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza.
Securing the Franchise Under Center
Mendoza practically wore silver and black when he stepped up to the podium at the NFL Scouting Combine. The quarterback confirmed a formal interview with the Raiders’ brass, wiping away any lingering doubt about Las Vegas’ intentions at No. 1. Kubiak demands a hyper-processor to run his complex passing scheme, and Mendoza’s 72% completion rate and 41 passing touchdowns during Indiana’s undefeated national championship run fit the exact profile. He didn’t just throw the football last season; he dissected defenses with surgical precision.
Walking the halls of the Indiana Convention Center, you could almost feel the tension in the air when rival executives glanced at the Las Vegas contingent. Everyone knows Spytek controls the board. While trade rumors continue to swirl around star edge rusher Maxx Crosby, Spytek operates from a position of absolute leverage. He listens to every phone call, but with 10 draft picks in his pocket, he does not have to force a single move. Las Vegas can systematically rebuild the roster using both draft capital and open cap space.
Overhauling the Roster and Defensive Shifts
Offensive struggles defined the Raiders last season, but the defensive side of the ball requires immediate surgery. Kubiak confirmed a structural shift to a 3-4 defensive scheme. That transition instantly creates massive holes at linebacker, cornerback, and safety. You cannot run a complex 3-4 without versatile edge setters and ball-hawking safeties, and right now, the Las Vegas depth chart lacks that necessary firepower.
Spytek understands he cannot build a contender with rookies alone. The front office plans to hit the free-agent market aggressively to balance the youth movement. Bringing in established veterans provides immediate stability while taking the pressure off the incoming 2026 draft class. They need players who have been through the fire to show the rookies how to survive in the NFL.
“I think it’s very important. If you can find the right guys that play that position, and you can put those strategically in the different position rooms… if they can watch a true pro prepare how they go about their routine throughout the week, how they take care of their bodies, how they prepare in the offseason. I think it’s really valuable.”
— John Spytek, General Manager
Playoff Implications and What Comes Next
The Raiders finished at the bottom of the barrel last season, but the NFL moves incredibly fast. Kubiak just lifted a Lombardi Trophy as the offensive coordinator in Seattle, and he brings a proven, modern attack to the desert. Drafting Mendoza gives Las Vegas an immediate identity. Spending their top-tier cap space on veteran defensive anchors turns a rebuilding year into a rapid wild-card push. March free agency opens in a matter of days. Expect the Raiders to strike early, secure their veteran mentors, and set the perfect stage for Mendoza’s arrival in April.
