NFL Nation
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The 2026 NFL draft began Thursday night in Pittsburgh at 8 p.m. (on ESPN/ABC/ESPN App).
We will be tracking all 257 picks for Rounds 1-7, and you also can check out all the best available draft prospects.
The draft continues with Rounds 2-3 on Friday (7 p.m. ET) and concludes with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday (noon ET).
ESPN’s team of reporters will submit pros and cons below for each of the 32 players selected in Thursday’s first round.
More coverage:
Top prospects at every position
Kiper’s position rankings
Round 1 picks / order
Why they picked him: With the Raiders in the midst of a rebuild, they needed a long-term answer at quarterback, and Mendoza has the potential to fill this need. His skill set is a natural fit for new coach Klint Kubiak’s offense, and the two can develop into a strong pairing for years to come. Just like most quarterbacks coming out of college, Mendoza will have to get adjusted to playing under center. But his decision-making and accuracy should carry him a long way.
Biggest question: Even though general manager John Spytek and Kubiak prefer letting a young quarterback sit until ready, the best players will ultimately play. The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins ahead of the draft, giving the organization insurance at the position. The best-case scenario is that Cousins begins the season as the starter before Mendoza takes over for the rest of the way, similar to Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart with the New York Giants last year. — Ryan McFadden
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