NFL

Raiders clinch first overall pick in 2026 draft

Published

January 4, 2026

Stephen R. Sylvanie -- IMAGN IMAGES

The Las Vegas Raiders officially clinched the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. The Raiders finished the season with a 3-14 record.

The Raiders are officially on the clock ⏰

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Las Vegas holds the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, their first time picking first since 2007. pic.twitter.com/RrJuUv806Q

— ESPN (@espn) January 4, 2026

It has been a season to forget for the Raiders. After getting off to a 2-4 start, the Raiders would go on to lose the next 10 games before closing out the season with a 14-12 win against the Chiefs. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly would be fired midseason and the future of head coach Pete Carrol is still unknown.

The speculation is that the Raiders will draft Indiana quarterback and heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza has had quite the season with Indiana, winning the Big 10 Championship and currently in the CFP semifinals.

The last time the Raiders has the first overall pick was in 2007 where the team drafted quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who turned into one of the biggest NFL busts of all time.

About the Author Published Jan 4, 2026

CAMERON JOYCE

Cameron Joyce is an NCAAF, NFL, NHL, and MLB beat writer for Ball Exclusives. Cameron also previously worked at The University of Alabama's newspaper, "The Crimson White," covering volleyball and baseball.