PITTSBURGH — The “Steel City” has officially transformed into the epicenter of the football world as final preparations conclude for the 2026 NFL Draft. Starting Thursday, April 23, the three-day event will stretch across Pittsburgh’s North Shore and Point State Park, with the Las Vegas Raiders officially on the clock with the No. 1 overall pick.
The Raiders secured the top selection following a difficult 3–14 season, marking the first time the franchise has held the No. 1 pick since 2007.
The “Mendoza Era” Begins?
While General Manager John Spytek has publicly entertained trade offers, the consensus among league insiders is that the Raiders are locked in on Indiana standout and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
Mendoza, who recently led the Hoosiers to an undefeated 16–0 National Championship, has reportedly already begun “onboarding” with the Raiders’ coaching staff. Reports suggest he is working closely with quarterback coach Brian Griese to master Klint Kubiak’s West Coast offensive system.
“There’s only one team that can get the exact person they want,” Spytek said in his final pre-draft presser. “And we have that option available to us this year.”
Quarterback Room Chaos
If the Raiders select Mendoza, he joins a crowded but veteran-heavy quarterback room that includes off-season acquisition Kirk Cousins and incumbent Aidan O’Connell. Despite Cousins’ hefty contract, Spytek has emphasized that the starting role will be a “meritocracy,” leaving the door open for the rookie to start Week 1.
2026 First Round Order (Top 10)
| Pick | Team | 2025 Record | Key Need |
| 1 | Las Vegas Raiders | 3–14 | Quarterback |
| 2 | New York Jets | 3–14 | Offensive Tackle |
| 3 | Arizona Cardinals | 3–14 | Edge Rusher |
| 4 | Tennessee Titans | 3–14 | Wide Receiver |
| 5 | New York Giants | 4–13 | Quarterback / WR |
| 6 | Cleveland Browns | 5–12 | Interior Defensive Line |
| 7 | Washington Commanders | 5–12 | Cornerback |
| 8 | New Orleans Saints | 6–11 | Offensive Line |
| 9 | Kansas City Chiefs | 6–11 | Wide Receiver / DB |
| 10 | Cincinnati Bengals | 6–11 | Defensive Tackle |
Draft Logistics & Fan Experience
The NFL expects record-breaking crowds in Pittsburgh, potentially rivaling the 775,000 fans who attended the 2024 Draft in Detroit.
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The Stage: Set against the backdrop of the Three Rivers and Acrisure Stadium.
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The Schedule: Round 1 begins Thursday at 8:00 PM ET; Rounds 2–3 follow on Friday; and Rounds 4–7 conclude the event on Saturday.
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The Stakes: This draft is considered exceptionally deep at the tackle and edge-rusher positions, though Mendoza remains the undisputed “crown jewel” of the class.
As the Raiders’ brass readies the card, the only remaining mystery is whether a late-hour blockbuster trade will shake up the top of the board, or if the Mendoza era in Las Vegas is officially a “done deal.”
