Raiders expected to take Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza as No. 1 pick, DraftKings shows
Cbssports: DraftKings odds heavily favor Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with Mendoza listed at -8000 (previously -1000) and the Las Vegas Raiders expected to take him.
The odds table also lists Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss, at +3000 (was +1700;), Rueben Bain Jr., Miami, at +4000 (was +2800), Arvell Reese, Ohio State, at +6000 (was +3500), Ty Simpson, Alabama, at +9000 (was +10000), Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State, at +10000 (was +9000), Keldric Faulk, Auburn, at +12000 (was +9000), David Bailey, Texas Tech, at +12000 (was +10000) and Cashius Howell, Texas A&M, at +12000.
The piece notes Mendoza capped a Heisman campaign with an undefeated season and Indiana's first national title, but also flags questions about his long-term upside given Indiana's loaded roster and top coach; it says the Raiders' infrastructure could limit Mendoza and that minority owner Tom Brady's influence could seal the pick. It adds Bain Jr. became a notable option after a strong championship game for Miami if Las Vegas moves on from Maxx Crosby, and that there is "almost no value in making this wager but it's an extremely safe bet given the circumstances."
Key Topics
Sports, Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders, Draftkings, Tom Brady, Indiana Hoosiers