Overview
- Las Vegas dropped to 2-14 after a 34-10 home loss to the Giants and will clinch the top pick with a Week 18 loss to the Chiefs.
- As of Monday, consensus mock tracking projects Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders at No. 1.
- Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer wrote that Oregon quarterback Dante Moore could challenge for QB1 if he declares by the Jan. 23 deadline.
- Analysts describe the 2026 class as light at quarterback, raising the likelihood of trade-up efforts by teams seeking a passer.
- Geno Smith has thrown a league-high 17 interceptions in 16 starts on a two-year, $75 million deal, framing the urgency and potential bridge dynamic for a rookie.