At a Glance
- The Las Vegas Raiders clinched the No. 1 pick after the Giants beat the Cowboys in Week 18.
- The 2026 NFL Draft will take place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
- This is the Raiders’ second time selecting first overall, the first being in 2007.
- Why it matters: the Raiders now have a chance to rebuild with the league’s top talent.
The Las Vegas Raiders secured the top draft position following the Giants’ Week 18 win over the Cowboys. With a record of 2-14 and ten straight losses, the Raiders’ fate in the draft was already sealed before their game against the Chiefs. The outcome of that matchup will not affect their first-round spot.
Draft Context
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, with the top 18 picks finalized after Week 18. This timeline sets the stage for teams to prepare for months of speculation and trade activity.
- Fernando Mendoza – Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana, likely the most appealing quarterback option.
- Dante Moore – Oregon quarterback, another viable candidate for the Raiders.
Historical Note
The Raiders previously held the first overall pick in 2007, selecting LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell. That choice did not yield long-term success, as Russell’s NFL career lasted only three seasons.
Key Takeaways
- The Raiders now control the No. 1 draft slot, a rare opportunity for the franchise.
- Draft day is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, with the top 18 picks locked in.
- Quarterback prospects Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore are top considerations.
The Raiders’ new draft position marks a pivotal moment as they look to reshape their roster and compete for playoff contention.
