Raiders Draft Fernando Mendoza, Jets Acquire Rueben Bain Jr.
The NFL Draft landscape is starting to take shape as teams focus on their needs and draft strategies. The Nevada-based Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Jets are poised to make significant moves in the upcoming draft.
Raiders Draft Fernando Mendoza
The Las Vegas Raiders are shaking things up by selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. Mendoza recently capped off a stellar college career with a Heisman Trophy and a national championship victory against the Miami Hurricanes. In the 2025 college football season, he achieved an impressive 90.7 passing grade, ranking him as one of the top quarterbacks in the FBS.
Jets Acquire Rueben Bain Jr.
Meanwhile, the New York Jets are shifting their focus to strengthening their defensive line with the acquisition of Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami. Bain has made headlines with his dominant performance, finishing his collegiate career with a standout 92.8 PFF grade. This impressive statistic places him second among edge defenders in the Power Four conferences, trailing only Texas Tech’s David Bailey.
Offseason Developments and Draft Implications
As teams prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, several factors will influence their selection strategies. While free agency will play a vital role in shaping team compositions, current assessments of roster weaknesses and player performances provide critical insights.
- Raiders: Select QB Fernando Mendoza, Heisman winner.
- Jets: Add dominant ED Rueben Bain Jr. to bolster defense.
This offseason is marked by teams addressing their positional needs and capitalizing on impactful performances. With the draft approaching, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the decisions made will affect each team’s future.