Raiders Praised for Draft Moves Beyond Fernando Mendoza

The 2026 NFL draft is a wrap, and now, it’s time for the NFL analysts to come out with their grades of how each team used their pick.

When it comes to the Las Vegas Raiders, everyone and their fifth cousin knew they would pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza with their No. 1 pick. It was a celebrated move, but their other moves are also getting praise.

Nate Davis of USA Today recently graded each team for their full draft class. For the Raiders, he gives them a strong A. The only team higher is the Jets with an A+.

“It didn’t take a genius to pick QB Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall (sorry, Spytek), but he will obviously define this draft through his ability to lift – or not – this long-suffering franchise out of a decades-long quagmire,” he states in the piece.

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He added: “But getting players like DB Treydan Stukes (second round), CB Jermod McCoy (fourth) and RB Mike Washington Jr. (fifth) is quite the needed talent infusion – the gamble on McCoy and his highly scrutinized knee atop Round 4 a calculated risk with too much upside to bypass.

“It’s almost like getting the extra first-round pick the Silver and Black sought earlier this year while getting to keep DE Maxx Crosby.”

Grading the Las Vegas Raiders

It’s true that the Raiders used their picks wisely in the draft, and I would also give them an A or A-. The Raiders had a slew of good draft slots, and they used them to fill their greatest needs.

This team is in major need to an overhaul, though, so now, the true test begins for what the franchise can do with their fresh talent going forward.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 5:24 PM.