The Las Vegas Raiders are currently facing a challenging 2025 NFL season, holding a record of 2-13. With only two games remaining, the team is in a unique position. A loss in their final two matchups may lead to a historic opportunity: the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Potential Implications of Remaining Games
To secure the top pick, the Raiders must lose to both the New York Giants and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Giants also share a 2-13 record, while the Chiefs are 6-9. Should the Raiders finish at 2-15, they will hold the first pick for the first time since 2007.
Top Draft Prospects
The conversation around top prospects is heating up, particularly regarding quarterbacks. The frontrunner is Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza. However, recent comments from ESPN analyst Louis Riddick highlight another contender: Dante Moore from Oregon.
Louis Riddick’s Praise for Dante Moore
- Riddick noted Moore’s strong leadership skills.
- He emphasized Moore’s elite football intelligence and emotional intelligence.
- Riddick expressed admiration for Moore’s popularity among teammates.
Riddick, a respected voice in the NFL community and a former Raider, stated, “If @oregonfootball QB Dante Moore enters the ‘26 draft, teams are going to LOVE him in the pre-draft process.” His endorsement should reassure Raiders fans about the team’s potential quarterback choices.
Future Considerations for the Raiders
The Raiders’ strategy for the draft is uncertain. They could opt to trade the No. 1 overall pick for additional draft capital to bolster their roster. Alternatively, they may choose between Mendoza and Moore, two quarterbacks widely regarded as the best in the upcoming draft.
Upcoming Challenges
Both Mendoza and Moore are still competing in the College Football Playoff. A matchup in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl could be a pivotal moment for both athletes. The pre-draft evaluation process will provide the Raiders with crucial insights into how each quarterback aligns with the team’s vision.
With Louis Riddick’s trusted evaluation backing both quarterbacks, Raiders fans can feel optimistic about the team’s future options, regardless of which quarterback they ultimately target in the draft. This reassurance may alleviate some tension as the 2025 season concludes.
