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
-
Geno Smith passes for 362 yards and a TD in Raiders debut
With his team leading by 10 points and facing a long third down late in the fourth, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith was calm.
Who wins Super Bowl 60? Raiders win total? Bettors weigh in before Week 1
Las Vegas sportsbooks experience busy NFL season opener as local bettors predict Raiders improvement and weigh Super Bowl odds for top teams.
Raiders fan looks to set world record for NFL games attended in a single season
The Los Angeles local has attended 56 straight Raiders games, home and away, stretching over the last three seasons, vlogging his experiences in Vegas and on the road on social media.
'Handling what's in front of us': Raiders prepare for season opener at Patriots
The Silver and Black are set to open their regular season this Sunday the New England Patriots. It will be our first chance to see some Raiders strap it up in Silver and Black.
