As the Raiders prioritize their quarterback situation for the upcoming offseason, anticipation builds for the 2026 NFL Draft. Their postseason aspirations ended last week, prompting an early focus on long-term solutions at quarterback.
Raiders Target Quarterback in 2026 Mock Draft
In a recent mock draft by Dane Brugler, the Raiders are projected to make a bold leap in their quest for a franchise quarterback. Current projections place the Raiders at fourth in the draft order, with the Cleveland Browns following closely at fifth. Brugler’s scenario predicts that the Browns will trade with the Tennessee Titans to secure the first overall pick, choosing Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
Las Vegas’ Strategic Moves
Following the Browns’ decision, the Raiders aim to trade with the New York Giants, enabling them to ascend two spots to second overall. This move positions them to select Dante Moore, the talented quarterback from Oregon. Brugler notes that while the Raiders acquired Geno Smith last offseason, the arrangement has not yielded the expected results. Thus, the Raiders must act decisively if they want to secure a potential long-term starter.
Dante Moore: A Promising Prospect
Dante Moore, only 20 years old, is expected to have under 20 career starts by the time this season concludes. With significant NIL opportunities in Oregon, staying in school could be tempting for him. Nonetheless, the allure of a top-five draft position is considerable.
- Age: 20 years
- Career Starts: Fewer than 20
- College: Oregon
Reasons for the Raiders’ Urgency
The Raiders have historically struggled to capitalize on drafting top quarterback talent. In previous drafts, they have missed opportunities to select high-caliber prospects, such as Bo Nix, who was picked 12th overall by the Denver Broncos. Over the past few years, the Raiders have consistently been just out of reach for elite quarterbacks, emphasizing the need for a calculated approach this offseason.
Pursuing Dante Moore should be the Raiders’ top priority as they look to enhance their roster. Solid decision-making in the draft could finally secure the long-awaited franchise quarterback for the team.
