Fernando Mendoza lands in Las Vegas
Raiders introduce top draft pick
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: A detailed view of the stage showing a still of Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana on screen after being selected first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images Fernando Mendoza, who the Las Vegas Raiders drafted with the No. 1 overall pick Thursday night , was introduced by the team Friday flanked new head coach Klint Kubiak and general manager John Spytek.
The #Raiders introduce Fernando Mendoza @VegasNation pic. twitter. com/OzmNHfeafF — Heidi Fang (@HeidiFang) April 24, 2026 Mendoza has been expected to be a Raider for months.
Friday, he landed at the team’s Henderson, Nevada facility, which should be his workplace for the next decade plus. He is excited that he can finally move on. “I’m really glad the outside noise is done,” Mendoza said.
“I’m excited to officially to be a Raider … I have to earn it. I haven’t proven anything. ” In his first pubic words since Mendoza was drafted, Kubiak said the Raiders were sold on Mendoza when they went to his Pro Day a few weeks ago.