Raiders select Mendoza as No. 1 pick in 2026 NFL Draft with emotional 'I'm ecstatic' reaction

The Las Vegas Raiders have selected quarterback Diego Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, marking a pivotal moment in the franchise's rebuilding journey. The announcement was met with thunderous applause at the draft venue as Mendoza walked onto the stage with a visible mix of emotions.

Watch the highlights:

"I'm ecstatic. This is everything I've worked for my entire life," Mendoza said in his first interview after being selected. "To the Raiders organization, the fans, everyone who believed in me - thank you doesn't even begin to cover it. I'm ready to get to work and bring winning football back to Las Vegas."

Mendoza, 23, comes from a distinguished college career at Texas A&M where he amassed over 12,000 passing yards and 98 touchdowns across three seasons. His dual-threat ability and leadership qualities made him the most coveted prospect in this year's draft class.

The Raiders, coming off a 5-12 season, had been widely expected to target a quarterback with their top selection after parting ways with their previous starter during the offseason. General Manager Marcus Thompson expressed confidence in the new franchise quarterback.

"Diego embodies everything we want in a Raider - toughness, leadership, and an insatiable work ethic," Thompson stated. "We've done extensive work on him and believe he's the foundation we'll build around for years to come."

Mendoza becomes the first quarterback selected first overall by the Raiders since their franchise relocated to Las Vegas, and he inherits a team that finished last in the AFC West a season ago but showed promising signs late in the season with three wins in their final five games.