The Las Vegas Raiders secured the top selection in the 2026 NFL draft before their season finale even began Sunday, thanks to the New York Giants’ 34-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys in the early window. The Giants’ victory guaranteed the Raiders (3-14) would finish with the worst record in the league, earning them the No. 1 overall pick for the first time since 2007.
The Raiders now hold the key to a draft class that could feature top quarterback prospects Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore, both expected to declare. Mendoza is widely considered the best QB prospect available. The Raiders also have the option to trade the pick.
While the news before kickoff was positive, the Raiders’ 14-12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the actual game had a downside. The victory created a four-way tie with the Jets, Cardinals, and Titans for the worst record, costing the Raiders the first pick in every round. Instead, they will pick fourth in Round 2, third in Round 3, second in Round 4, first in Round 5, fourth in Round 6, and third in Round 7.
Owner Mark Davis and General Manager John Spytek watched warm-ups before the game at Allegiant Stadium, aware that the draft’s top prize was already secured.
2026 NFL Draft Order (Top 5)
- Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- New York Jets (3-14)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
- Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- New York Giants (4-13)
