With the last week of the 2026 NFL season underway, teams have separated themselves. The usual suspects are at the top of the Draft order. With Indiana’s QB Fernando Mendoza appearing to separate himself from the rest of the field, he may bring stability to one of the teams contending for the top draft pick. Let’s dive into a few teams that could end up with the rights to draft Mendoza.
NFL’s Dumpster Fire: Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have been a mess this season. After signing Pete Carroll as their head coach and trading for Seahawks‘ QB Geno Smith, this team was poised to make a splash in the NFL. That was not the case; the complete opposite, really. Vegas brought in Chip Kelly as their offensive coordinator, but he didn’t last a full season.
To dive into how bad their offense has been. They rank last in points per game, 27th in passing yards per game, last in rushing yards per game, last in offensive touchdowns, 29th in yards per play, and 9th in turnovers per game. Smith, who the Raiders also gave a massive contract extension, leads the NFL with 17 interceptions. If this team wants to build for the future, they need the number one pick. Vegas has a lot of young talent whom Mendoza would help grow and develop.
Fly High: New York Jets
Like the Raiders, this team needs stability. When is the last time the Jets selected a quarterback who was supposed to be the face of their franchise, Sam Darnold? Zach Wilson? Two players who had talent but flamed out in New York. This organization signed Justin Fields in free agency to see what he had after he showed flashes last season with the Steelers; however, it hasn’t panned out, with only 1,259 passing yards and seven touchdowns.
This team has talent on the offensive side of the ball, including Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and Mason Taylor. When you hire a head coach like Aaron Glenn, the front office needs to let him build the franchise from the ground up. Bring in his own players, starting with the quarterback.
Usual Suspect: Cleveland Browns
Would it be an NFL season without the Cleveland Browns being in contention for the Number One pick in the NFL Draft? With a rotation of quarterbacks, this is a team that will be in an interesting position if it lands the top pick. If you are a believer in Shedeur Sanders, you could trade the pick for a king’s ransom to build the team for the future. If you aren’t sold on Sanders, draft Mendoza and get ready for another potential franchise QB ruined by the inadequate infrastructure of the Cleveland Browns.
Who Needs It More?
Out of the three teams listed above, the Raiders desperately need this pick. This organization hasn’t had a stable quarterback since Derek Carr was under center, and even he had his limitations. Vegas is in one of the hardest divisions in the NFL, the AFC West. When you have to contend with the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes, the Chargers and Justin Herbert, and Sean Peyton and the Broncos, you need a game-changer at QB.
Final Thoughts
There are so many dominoes that are still waiting to fall entering Week 18. With the Number One pick in the draft up in the air, who do you think will claim the prize? Also, do you think Fernando Mendoza is a lock to be the first player selected?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts on who needs to get the top draft selection in the NFL Draft! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.
