The Las Vegas Raiders kicked off the 2026 NFL Draft with the first overall selection, and they ended it as one of the biggest winners of the draft weekend. They walked away from the draft with potential star talent, tons of depth, players who fill needs, and some high-ceiling flyers. For example, Fernando Mendoza was far and away the best quarterback in this class, and Jermod McCoy was one of the biggest steals, as he was a top one or two cornerback talent who only fell because of an injury. Treydan Stukes and Keyron Crawford could be Day 1 starters for Las Vegas, too, and Mike Washington was a hidden gem of a find later in the draft.
While the Raiders expect big things from the entirety of their draft class, both this year and for years to come, ultimately, only one player can stand above the rest. So, which Raiders rookie will make the biggest impact in Year 1?
Which Raiders rookie will have the best debut season?
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Choosing Mendoza as the Raiders rookie who will make the biggest impact in Year 1 seems like a cop out. After all, he was the first overall pick, and number one selections are expected to embark upon Hall of Fame careers. Expectations are high for the Heisman trophy winner and collegiate national champion, but it is far from a guarantee that he will be the most impactful rookie Raider.
After all, Mendoza is expected to start the season on the sideline as the backup for the recently signed Kirk Cousins, and there is no telling how long Mendoza will stay in this reserve role. Cousins was inked to a five-year, $172 million deal. While only $20 million of that is guaranteed, meaning Cousins likely won’t be with the team come the 2027 season, the Raiders still have a sizeable investment in the veteran for at least this year.
Las Vegas wants Mendoza to learn the ropes from the sideline before being handed the reins, similarly to players such as Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers. If Mendoza serves as backup all season long, then one of the other first-year players will outperform him by default. The player most likely to do so would be Stukes.
The Arizona product played six years for the Wildcats, so he brings loads of experience and a win-now skill set to Las Vegas. He is also incredibly versatile, having the capability to play safety or cornerback. That means that there are numerous routes to Stukes finding playing time right away.
Even so, Mendoza should still hold the title as the rookie who will make the biggest impact in year one. Fans shouldn’t rule out the Indiana gunslinger beating Cousins out in a quarterback competition, and if Cousins gets the Week 1 nod, teams tend to look for any excuse to give the youngster a chance, so Mendoza will likely become the starter sooner rather than later.
Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns last season in what was one of the greatest collegiate seasons ever. He led the Hoosiers to becoming just the second 16-0 team in history. Mendoza’s energy and leadership are contagious, and his Raiders teammates are sure to rally behind him.
In recent years, rookie quarterbacks like Drake Maye and Tyler Shough didn’t start the season out as their team’s starting quarterback, but they played well enough once taking over to still earn Rookie of the Year consideration. The same thing can happen for Mendoza. Even if he starts the year as a backup, a promotion is inevitable, and high-level play will likely follow.
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