LAS VEGAS — The Raiders have clinched the first pick in the 2026 NFL draft, giving a franchise trending toward a rebuild its most valuable asset to jump-start the process.
The Raiders solidified their draft position after the New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-17 on Sunday.
The New York Jets will pick No. 2, followed by the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 and the Tennessee Titans at No. 4. The Giants, who began the day in the No. 2 draft position, fell to No. 5 after Sunday’s action.
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Las Vegas didn’t anticipate being in this position when coach Pete Carroll said the team would win a lot of games in his first season after 14 years with the Seattle Seahawks.
The Raiders, however, have put together one of their worst seasons in franchise history.
The Raiders won their season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs 14-12 to finish with a 3-14 record — tied for the most losses in a season in franchise history (2006). Las Vegas had lost 10 straight games before Sunday’s win, and Carroll is trending toward being fired after his first season.
Las Vegas will be the first team on the clock for the third time in franchise history. The last time the Raiders had the top pick was in 2007, when they selected quarterback JaMarcus Russell out of LSU.
Nearly 20 years later, Las Vegas has a chance to draft a quarterback at No. 1 once again.
Starter Geno Smith is under contract through 2028, but he is 35 and regressed in his first year with the Raiders. Smith threw a league-high 17 interceptions in 15 games played.
The Raiders are expected to be linked with Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza throughout the draft process.
