With the first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders are a sure bet to select Fernando Mendoza. There is not much of a bold prediction there, but what will the team do with the first pick on Day 2 and the remainder of the draft?
When it comes to draft day trades, anything is possible, but Raiders general manager John Spytek doesn’t appear interested in trading out of the top pick. Mendoza is the guy they want, and Mendoza is the guy they will take.
“A lot less energy spent on hypotheticals,” Spytek told reporters when asked about the team’s plans at No. 1. “We were just talking before we came down here – there’s only one team that can get the exact person that they want. And we have that option available to us this year, if we so choose.”
The question now turns to what will the team do to surround Mendoza with the best team possible going into Year 1?
In signing Kirk Cousins, the team has a veteran for the Heisman Trophy winner to learn behind until he is ready. He will also have a big-time tight end in Brock Bowers and an explosive, young running back in Ashton Jeanty shaping up the offense. Along with establishing a strong offensive line, finding a reliable receiver for Mendoza to get the ball will be one of the top priorities for the Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Raiders could target Omar Cooper Jr. after Fernando Mendoza pick
One bold prediction that comes to mind is the Raiders drafting one of Fernandez’s top targets at the University of Indiana to be that security blanket. With the No. 36 overall pick, Omar Cooper Jr. would be an absolute steal for the Raiders early in Day 2.
With a lot of buzz surrounding Cooper Jr., there’s a high probability he won’t be on the board by the time the Raiders select again at No. 36. So, this is where a draft day trade is possible for the Raiders. I predict the Raiders trade back into the late first round to get Fernando one of his top targets in 2025.
In helping the Hoosiers hoist the national championship trophy, Cooper Jr. hauled in 69 receptions for 937 yards in a breakout season at Indiana. Often drawing comparisons to Deebo Samuel, the former Hoosiers star has showcased an elite ability to create yards after contact. Along with his reliable hands and versatility to play both the slot and outside, Cooper Jr. is an ideal fit for a Raiders team looking for consistency and an identity on offense.
Weather it is Cousins starting the season or Mendoza, the deep threat ability of Cooper Jr. would make the Raiders more dynamic especially with the attention Bowers demand in the middle of the field and the capability of Jeanty catching the ball out of the backfield. To sum it up, if Cooper Jr. is in reach, the Raiders should be the team making calls to move up.
Otherwise, another Hoosiers teammate, Elijah Sarrett, would also offer a comfortable target for the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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