After weeks of speculation, the Las Vegas Raiders are unofficially on the clock.
Thanks to the New York Giants winning their second consecutive game, the Raiders officially clinched the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft before they even took the field in Week 18. That win for the Giants improved New York to 4-13 on the season, erasing any chance the Giants had at catching the Raiders for the top pick.
With the first pick, the Raiders are expected to draft a quarterback. Indiana quarterback (and Heisman Trophy winner) Fernando Mendoza is largely expected to be the first quarterback taken next spring, although Dante Moore from Oregon is also an option.
Our own Nick Simon has some options for the Raiders to consider at that spot, leading with Mendoza.
With the New York Jets clinching the second selection, a second quarterback could come off the board in that spot.
Sunday’s results set the top 18 picks in stone, leading with the Raiders. The other 14 selections will be solidified with results from the NFL Playoffs.
But we do know the Raiders are picking first.
Here is the updated order for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, keeping in mind only the first 18 picks are confirmed. Playoff results will shape the last 14 picks of the first round.
