Justin BooneFantasy AnalystFri, April 24, 2026 at 3:07 AM UTC·2 min readYahoo’s Justin Boone breaks down Fernando Mendoza’s fantasy football outlook after he was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the quarterback’s projection and ranking moving forward. You can also read his reaction to every fantasy-relevant selection in the first round.
2026 projection (13 starts): 2,743 passing yards, 18 TDs, 14 INTs, 251 rushing yards, TD
Dynasty startup value (Superflex): QB17 (fourth-round pick)
Mendoza isn’t the kind of dominant quarterback prospect that can singlehandedly change the fortune of a franchise, but his arrival in Las Vegas comes at the perfect time. New head coach Klint Kubiak has gotten the most out of the offenses at his last couple stops, including turning Sam Darnold into a Super Bowl-winning QB.
The Raiders have also made an effort to upgrade the offensive line this offseason, including the signing of top free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum — an important addition for a rookie passer.
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With the presence of two young superstars in Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty (who are both 23 years old), as well as the likely selection of at least one rookie receiver on Day 2 or Day 3 of the draft, Mendoza has enough weaponry to succeed whenever he steps under center.
Though veteran Kirk Cousins will do his best to hold him off, Mendoza will be starting sooner rather than later. The Heisman Trophy winner has the ability to return fantasy QB2 value in his starts as a rookie, with a chance to reach low-end QB1 production in future years.
Prospect profile: Mendoza has proven himself to be a good leader with excellent on-field awareness who displays the toughness needed to overcome adversity during games. He has a strong arm to make any throw, but it’s his touch passing that stands out.
Though the 22-year-old has enough speed to scramble his way out of trouble and pick up yards on the ground, he’s not fast enough to be a meaningful runner in the pros.
He profiles as a long-term NFL starter, who will need the right environment around him to become a star.
Fantasy stock up: Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, Raiders WRs Fantasy stock down: Kirk Cousins