The Las Vegas Raiders made a bold statement in the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. But was it the best move of the draft? ESPN's Matt Miller thinks it's close—ranking the pick as the ninth-best of the entire event.

Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, was widely considered a lock for the top spot. His combination of poise, accuracy, decision-making, and mobility made him the clear franchise quarterback prospect. Miller praised Mendoza's ceiling, noting he has the potential to become a top-10 NFL quarterback.

The Raiders were all-in on Mendoza from the start. They cleared the path by trading Geno Smith to the New York Jets and signing Kirk Cousins in free agency as a bridge option. Still, the need for a long-term signal-caller remained, and Mendoza fits the bill perfectly.

While the Raiders' pick was highly rated, it wasn't the top-ranked selection. Miller placed Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs at No. 1, followed by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Mansoor Delane at No. 3 and New York Jets wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 5.

For Raiders fans, seeing Mendoza land at No. 9 on this list is still a strong endorsement. In a draft class filled with elite talent, landing a potential franchise quarterback at the top is a win—and one that could pay dividends for years to come.