PITTSBURGH (KTNV) — The Las Vegas Raiders make history with the first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, making the move the organization has been building toward all off-season:
Fernando Mendoza to the Silver and Black.
Raiders General Manager John Spytek says Mendoza made it easy for the team to realize he was the right man at the right time.
Mendoza is a 6-foot-5 quarterback with a lethal combination of accuracy, determination, and toughness. He rose to prominence after being labeled a two-star recruit out of high school. Following two seasons at Cal, Mendoza transferred to Indiana, where he led the Hoosiers to their first-ever national championship.
The jury is still out as to whether Mendoza will play in week 1 this season, but he has the look of a true franchise quarterback that can lead the Raiders back to prominence for the first time in decades.
Also this off-season, the Raiders brought in veteran NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins as a possible bridge and mentor for Mendoza. And if one veteran quarterback wasn't enough, Mendoza will also have the opportunity to be mentored by the greatest of all time, Tom Brady.
Tonight, the NFL Draft continues through 8 p.m. on Channel 13.
Let's hear it for the Fan of the Year 🏴☠️
The players aren't the only ones whose dreams are coming true at the NFL Draft. Barbara Estrada is the Raiders' International Fan of the Year, and to celebrate, she'll play a role in this year's draft.
Alex Eschelman caught up with Estrada about what it means for her to represent the Silver and Black:
Wednesday
We are just one day away from the Las Vegas Raiders drafting first overall in this year's NFL Draft.
Channel 13 sports reporter Alex Eschelman has boots on the ground for the three-day football frenzy in Pittsburgh, where loyal fans from the Black Hole are fired up about what could be one of the most important drafts in team history.
The Raiders are expected to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick on Thursday night.
He would join a new coach, a number of new faces in free agency and will lead a new direction for the franchise.
The NFL Draft starts at 5 p.m. Thursday on ABC and Channel 13. Channel 13's sports team will help break down the highlights with special coverage after the draft. Here's when to watch:
- Thursday at 4:30 p.m. | Channel 13 Sports Special: NFL Draft
- Thursday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. | NFL Draft, Round 1
- Thursday, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Channel 13 News: Special Edition
- Friday at 3 p.m. | Channel 13 Sports Special: NFL Draft
- Friday, 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | NFL Draft, Rounds 2 and 3
- Friday, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | Channel 13 News: Special Edition
- Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | NFL Draft, Rounds 4-7
- Saturday at 4 p.m. | Channel 13 Sports: Post-NFL Draft Special
- Saturday, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | Channel 13 News: Special Edition
-
Homegrown Raiders Jonah Laulu, Kyu Blu Kelly make presence felt on primetime
Las Vegas natives Jonah Laulu and Kyu Blu Kelly shine for Raiders despite 20-9 home opener loss to Chargers. Laulu records two sacks in hometown.
Herbert and strong defense lead Chargers to 20-9 win over Raiders
Justin Herbert passed for 242 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Chargers to a 20-9 victory over the Raiders on Monday night.
Raiders’ Pete Carroll, Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh renew storied rivalry
Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh square off again Monday night in Las Vegas. The longtime rivals, whose clashes span college and NFL football, bring competition, respect and playful banter to showdown.
Black Hole fan shares Raider Nation's reaction to season-opening win
The Las Vegas Raiders have begun the 2025 season and the Pete Carroll era in the win column. The Silver & Black went on the road to Foxborough and took down the New England Patriots 20-13 on Sunday.
