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Mock draft season won't be as interesting for Las Vegas Raiders fans this offseason. Every projection in existence will have the Raiders taking Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall. The only 2026 NFL mock drafts that will be interesting are two-round versions. That's precisely what ESPN's Matt Miller delivered earlier this week.
Naturally, Miller has the Raiders taking Mendoza at the top. "This is a very easy decision for the Raiders -- draft the quarterback. The Geno Smith trade did not work out, and the 2026 class features only one passer with a first-round grade." Miller sums up how fortunate the Raiders are to possess the top pick in a one-QB draft.
The Raiders are slated to pick again at No. 36 overall in the second round. General manager John Spytek could add another weapon for Mendoza and pending head coach Klint Kubiak, or he could address the defense. Miller has the Raiders doing the latter, with Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor.
"Mesidor's age (he turns 25 in April) might limit how high he can rise, but this value at the top of Round 2 would be too sweet to pass up," Miller says. "Mesidor projects as a true 4-3 defensive end who could disrupt offenses opposite Maxx Crosby."
This would represent an impressive haul for Spytek and the Raiders. Mendoza is the no-brainer choice at No. 4 overall. Mesidor is a first-round prospect who would address the pass-rushing question opposite Crosby.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders address QB, defense in latest 2-round ESPN 2026 NFL mock draft
Continue reading...
Naturally, Miller has the Raiders taking Mendoza at the top. "This is a very easy decision for the Raiders -- draft the quarterback. The Geno Smith trade did not work out, and the 2026 class features only one passer with a first-round grade." Miller sums up how fortunate the Raiders are to possess the top pick in a one-QB draft.
The Raiders are slated to pick again at No. 36 overall in the second round. General manager John Spytek could add another weapon for Mendoza and pending head coach Klint Kubiak, or he could address the defense. Miller has the Raiders doing the latter, with Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor.
"Mesidor's age (he turns 25 in April) might limit how high he can rise, but this value at the top of Round 2 would be too sweet to pass up," Miller says. "Mesidor projects as a true 4-3 defensive end who could disrupt offenses opposite Maxx Crosby."
This would represent an impressive haul for Spytek and the Raiders. Mendoza is the no-brainer choice at No. 4 overall. Mesidor is a first-round prospect who would address the pass-rushing question opposite Crosby.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders address QB, defense in latest 2-round ESPN 2026 NFL mock draft
Continue reading...
