Who could Raiders target with No. 1 pick? Best fits, NFL draft options
Jacob CamenkerThe Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants squared off in a Week 17 that was expected to go a long way toward deciding which team would earn the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Giants won the battle handily. They ran roughshod on the Raiders and got a great performance out of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who completed 22 of 30 passes for 200 yards and added 48 yards and two scores on the ground in a 34-10 rout.
While New York's win snapped the team's nine-game losing streak, it also positioned Las Vegas to land the draft's top selection. The Raiders need only lose to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18 to guarantee they will make just the second No. 1 overall pick in the franchise's history, and first since the team chose JaMarcus Russell in 2007.
The Raiders will be looking to avoid making the mistake they made when they chose Russell – regarded as one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history – with their top pick.
But who are Las Vegas' top options atop the 2026 NFL Draft? Here's a look at six players that should be on the Raiders' radar as they prepare for a critical offseason rebuild.
Raiders draft options with No. 1 pick
QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Mendoza isn't just viewed as the safest quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He's also considered the safest bet to declare, as both Dante Moore and Ty Simpson could potentially return to school, pending their performances in the College Football Playoff.
Mendoza has already proven himself, leading Indiana to an undefeated regular season, winning the Heisman while completing 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards, 33 touchdowns, and six interceptions. The Cal transfer has good pocket presence and top-tier accuracy and timing, which should allow him to succeed quickly at the NFL level.
QB Dante Moore, Oregon
Mendoza may be more polished right now, but Moore has a higher ceiling. The 20-year-old has great deep passing skills, good arm talent and the best mobility of the 2026 NFL Draft's top quarterbacks, which could make him a big-time playmaker. He completed 72.4% of his passes for 3,046 yards, 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions while replacing Dillon Gabriel and leading Oregon to another strong season.
At the same time, Moore is young and will likely need time to develop as he transitions into a pro-style offense. That may not appeal as much to the 74-year-old Pete Carroll, who will be looking to rebound quickly if the Raiders bring him back for a second season.
QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Simpson seems like more of a wild-card option for the Raiders atop the 2026 NFL Draft. The Alabama starter has put together some great tape for the Crimson Tide, during which he has shown elite accuracy and ball placement as well as a natural ability to navigate the pocket.
Of course, the two knocks on Simpson – his lack of consistency and experience – may be enough to drop the one-year starter to the latter stages of the first round. It could also convince the coach's son to return to school for one more season to get more experience as a starter.
But if Simpson declares, the Raiders will likely evaluate him as one of the top-three quarterbacks in this year's class. The 23-year-old has completed completed 64.1% of his passes for 3,500 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions across 14 games to date.
LB/edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State
It's hard to imagine the Raiders passing on a quarterback if they land the No. 1 selection, but if they do, Reese would represent the top talent on the board.
Reese has enjoyed a breakout season at Ohio State while showcasing great versatility and pass-rushing skills. The 20-year-old is well-built (6-4, 243 pounds) and has the speed needed to be a great playmaker at the NFL level. He has thus far generated 6.5 sacks for Ohio State while earning All-American status for his star performance.
Reese and Maxx Crosby would immediately become one of the NFL's top pass-rushing tandems. That possible partnership could intrigue Carroll and general manager John Spytek if they don't fall in love with any of the 2026 NFL Draft's top quarterback prospects.
WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
The last time a wide receiver was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft was in 1996, when the New York Jets selected Keyshawn Johnson. That makes Tate a longshot to be the No. 1 selection, but the Raiders may at least consider it.
Tate is a smooth playmaker with plus size at 6-3, 195 pounds and has made 48 catches for 838 yards and nine touchdowns across 10 games for the Buckeyes. The 20-year-old is good at attacking the ball and has good hands, which should give him a chance to emerge as the latest great Ohio State receiver to make an impact in the NFL.
The Raiders traded their best receiver, Jakobi Meyers, to the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of the 2025 NFL trade deadline. Tate would help replace his production while providing the team's quarterback a high-upside target.
WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Tyson is another receiver worth considering atop the 2026 NFL Draft. The Arizona State product has good size at 6-2, 200 pounds and excellent body control and great separation skills. He's not the fastest wide-out, but his ability to create space and make contested catches should make him tough to cover in the NFL.
Tyson logged 61 catches for 771 yards and nine touchdowns with the Sun Devils this season.
2026 NFL Draft order
Here's a look at the latest top five picks in the draft order for the first round with strength of schedule information via Tankathon:
- Las Vegas Raiders: 2-14; .541 SOS
- New York Giants: 3-13 record; .530 strength of schedule
- New York Jets: 3-13, .552 SOS
- Tennessee Titans: 3-13, .576 SOS
- Arizona Cardinals: 3-13; .577 SOS
For the full, updated 2026 NFL Draft order, click here.