Raiders.com Staff
Each week leading up to the NFL Draft, Raiders.com will compile the latest mock drafts from top analysts and take a look at who they're predicting the Silver and Black will select with the No. 1 overall pick.
Take a look at the newest round of projections below.
Mike Renner, CBS Sports
Round 1 Pick:Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Analysis:"A no-brainer at this point. Mendoza is a perfect fit for Klint Kubiak's offense. Now they need to add more weapons for him in the coming rounds."
Round 2 Pick:Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Round 3 Pick:Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Date:April 13
Gennaro Filice, NFL.com
Pick:Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Analysis:"Frankly, it feels like this selection has already been made, with everyone envisioning the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in silver and black for months now. One request, Raiders: Please don't waste everyone's time on draft night pretending to wait for the mythical 'Godfather offer.' Get the pick in, and let's get on to the dramatic portion of the event, which appears set to begin in earnest at No. 2."
Date:April 13
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today
Pick:Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Analysis:"The draft discussion around Mendoza has already shifted to how the Raiders can best set up the quarterback for long-term success. With Kirk Cousins coming aboard, Las Vegas might opt for a more patient approach than NFL teams typically exhibit with No. 1 picks behind center. But Mendoza has given every reason for the Silver and Black to believe he'll be a quick study in Klint Kubiak's scheme. Still, a satisfactory class depends on more than his mere arrival, as there's significant work to be done in the receiving corps and throughout a defense that looks liable to yield shootouts."
Date:April 13
Bradley Locker, Pro Football Focus
Pick:Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Analysis:"The Raiders' signing of Kirk Cousins does mitigate their immediate urgency under center, but his effective one-year deal, combined with the team's draft positioning, doesn't change how this pick will shake out. Mendoza's accuracy, toughness and ability to rise to the moment posting a 93.2 PFF passing grade throughout the Hoosiers' postseason have made him the clear favorite to be the premier selection all along. This seems to be the lone lock of the first round."
Date:April 13
Nate Tice and Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports
Pick:Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Analysis:"NFL's newest buddy cop film, "Kirk & Fernando," will begin filming at the end of the month when the Raiders take Mendoza to be their new franchise quarterback. If Kirk Cousins is willing to play mentor role once the season gets going, this is a nice setup for Mendoza. Given his age, Cousins was fine last year for the Falcons and can't claim that he didn't know the team he signed with wasn't going to pick a QB this time."
Date:April 13
Colin Cowherd, FOX Sports
Pick:Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Analysis:"That's the easy one. I'm going to go one-for-one. He threw 49 touchdowns and no interceptions the last two years in the red zone. Hyper smart, ball placement and toughness [are good]. I wouldn't be surprised if the Raiders at the top of the second [round] go get [Indiana wide receiver] Omar Cooper, who might be available at the top of Round 2."
Date:April 10
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports
Pick:Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Analysis:"No one's considering alternatives for Las Vegas. The Tyler Linderbaum signing supports the assumption that Fernando Mendoza will be the No. 1 overall pick, as a veteran center is a huge benefit for a young quarterback. The Raiders need a quarterback, and there's a player worthy of that selection."
Date:April 9
Rhett Lewis, NFL.com
Pick:Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Analysis:"Mendoza is Pick 1.1, QB1 and the face of the Raiders franchise for years to come. Now, how will Vegas use the rest of its draft capital to support him?"
Date:April 7
Peter Schrager, ESPN
Pick:Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Analysis:"Barring any major -- and completely shocking -- news, this is all but a done deal. Mendoza has franchise QB traits, and having Kirk Cousins in the building will help him acclimate to the pro game. The real question now: What can the Raiders do with their other nine picks to build this roster up around Mendoza?"
Date:April 7
For more draft content, visitraiders.com/draft.
