Las Vegas Raiders Franchise SHAKES Up Draft—Is Mendoza at #1 Guaranteed?

The Locked On Chiefs podcast dives into the evolving landscape of the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on how team decisions—especially those of the Las Vegas Raiders—could impact the Kansas City Chiefs' ability to land their top draft target. With the Chiefs picking at #9, the hosts analyze the potential ripple effects from early picks, particularly the Raiders' #1 selection. They question whether the Raiders will truly take quarterback Mendoza, despite widespread speculation, noting that Mendoza may not even rank in the top 8 by film grade. The discussion explores the possibility of the Raiders trading down or targeting a different position, especially given their lack of depth at wide receiver and the questionable fit of certain defensive players like David Bailey within the Chiefs’ defensive scheme under Steve Spags. The hosts emphasize that drafting players who fit the team’s system is crucial, warning against forcing square pegs into round holes. They also highlight the growing interest in running backs like Jeremiah Love for the Titans and the potential for trades to shift the draft board, especially if offensive tackles rise in value.