The overwhelming expectation is that the Las Vegas Raiders are going to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. After that, attention may shift to surrounding Mendoza with more pass-catching weapons. The Raiders signed Jalen Nailor in free agency, but could certainly use more wide receivers.
One player the Raiders would probably love to draft is Indiana wideout Omar Cooper Jr. Cooper was Mendoza’s go-to target throughout 2025, recording a team-high 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately, that wish has become a pipedream as the pre-draft process has gone on.
Early in the process, it seemed Cooper was getting second-round buzz. That was a positive development for the Raiders, who own the 36th selection. Since then, Cooper has attached a jetpack to his pre-draft stock, seemingly establishing himself as a future first-round pick.
Cooper is going as early as No. 16 overall to the New York Jets in recent mock drafts. Had the Raiders’ trade with the Baltimore Ravens for Maxx Crosby gone through, they’d own the 14th pick in addition to the top selection. Perhaps the Raiders would have considered taking Cooper there, but alas, the Crosby trade was canceled and the pick reverted back to the Ravens.
Reuniting Mendoza with Cooper would have been awesome. It’s unfortunately likely, with the general public starting to realize that Cooper is one of the best wide receivers in the 2026 NFL draft. The Raiders will have to look elsewhere when deciding on weapons to pair with Mendoza.
