"The Las Vegas Raiders have clinched the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, giving a franchise trending toward a rebuild its most valuable asset to jumpstart the process. The Raiders solidified their draft position after the New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-17 on Sunday. Las Vegas didn't anticipate being in this position when coach Pete Carroll said the team would win a lot of games in his first season after 14 years with the Seattle Seahawks."
"The Raiders entered their season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs with a 2-14 record -- tied for the most losses in a season in franchise history (2006). Las Vegas has lost 10 straight games, and Carroll is trending toward being fired after his first season. Las Vegas will be the first team on the clock for the third time in franchise history. The last time the Raiders had the top pick was in 2007, when they selected quarterback JaMarcus Russell out of LSU."
"Nearly 20 years later, Las Vegas has a chance to draft a quarterback at No. 1 once again. Starter Geno Smith is under contract through 2028, but he is 35 and regressed in his first year with the Raiders. Smith threw a league-high 17 interceptions in 15 games played. It's expected the Raiders will be linked with Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza throughout the draft process."
Las Vegas clinched the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft after the New York Giants' win over the Dallas Cowboys, positioning the franchise for a rebuild. The Raiders finished 2-15 and endured a 10-game losing streak, matching the franchise's worst loss total since 2006. Coach Pete Carroll's first season fell far short of preseason expectations and his job appears in jeopardy. This will be the third time the Raiders hold the top pick, previously selecting JaMarcus Russell in 2007. Geno Smith remains under contract through 2028 but regressed, throwing a league-high 17 interceptions in 15 games. Indiana's Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza figures to be a key draft target.
Read at ESPN.com
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