PITTSBURGH — On Thursday, the Raiders will chart a new course by selecting Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Life offers no guarantees, right? But when it comes to first-round quarterbacks, expectations differ. Mendoza, who won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship at Indiana, carries significant potential. The Raiders, to their credit, seem to recognize this. They believe his achievements stem from their support, rather than any shortcomings.
The framework the Raiders have developed for Mendoza should ease his adjustment to the NFL. They’ve brought in new coach Clint Kubiak, a notable figure who previously helped the Seahawks secure a Super Bowl. Moreover, signing All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum, revamping the defense, and enhancing the offensive line with pre-draft selections like star tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Ziety further strengthen the situation for Mendoza.
This all comes in addition to the nine other picks they now have, many positioned favorably within the rounds. Real progress is evident.
For the first time in what feels like an eternity, there’s a sense of optimism surrounding the Raiders.
But if the NFL Draft isn’t about nurturing hope, then what is it really about?
This sentiment extends to the Rams, Chargers, and 49ers, too. While we may not anticipate a Raiders-like transformation, it’s possible that luck, magic, and smart choices could help these teams advance toward their aspirations in the coming days.
Here’s what each team should focus on to move forward.
Rams: “We’re aiming for the best wide receiver in the draft”
The Rams still hold the 13th overall pick, thanks to a previous trade with the Falcons. So many options are on the table, though the pool of impactful players is somewhat constrained.
Whether it’s addressing gaps such as future starting tackles, wide receivers, secondary positions, or improving the defensive line, this is a golden opportunity for the Rams to enhance a strong roster.
Their aspirations for another Super Bowl could fuel bold and creative moves in round one. Although it isn’t the kind of situation where a trade down makes sense, it’s always a possibility for GM Les Snead.
Instead, Snead should consider using that first-round pick and other assets to move into the top 10 to grab Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. Though not the fastest, Tate mirrors successful Rams wideouts like Puka Nacua, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp, who thrived under coach Sean McVay.
Like those players—and Rams receiver Davante Adams, who is destined for the Hall of Fame—Tate is a skilled route runner with maturity and insight that stands out.
It’s typically advised against trading up in the first round for non-quarterback needs, but the Rams have valid reasons to think big on draft night.
Backup plan: USC Wide Receiver Makai Lemon
Chargers: Bolster the interior offensive line
The Chargers have faced ongoing challenges protecting quarterback Justin Herbert, who’s been sacked 95 times in the last two seasons.
This pressure has affected not only the Chargers’ offense but also Herbert’s performance, especially in crucial playoff games where he faced consecutive one-and-done exits.
Mentally, he’s tough as nails. No matter how hard the hits land, he keeps his composure. But eventually, the toll can exceed anyone’s limits, including Herbert’s abilities.
Fortunately, the Chargers can count on both Rashawn Slater and Joe Alto returning after injuries; still, the interior of the offensive line needs complete reinforcement after last season’s struggles.
Penn State guard Olaiba Vega-Ioane seems like the right choice, even if it requires moving up from the 22nd pick to secure him. Yes, the team only has five picks this year, and trading up would narrow that down, but Ioane could fit perfectly alongside Slater and Alto.
Backup plan: Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy
49ers: Consider trading down
With perhaps 20 true first-round talents available, the 49ers might benefit from trading away their 27th pick to stockpile additional selections.
If the Cardinals are looking for a quarterback, it might create great opportunities for the 49ers. Arizona State is eyeing Alabama’s Ty Simpson, but it seems unlikely they will use the No. 3 overall pick for him.
The Cardinals could select Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Love or opt to trade down to gather extra picks. Whatever they decide regarding the No. 3 pick, they seem set on Simpson, perhaps aiming for him at No. 34 in the second round.
The issue arises, though, with the Jets also interested in Simpson at the 33rd pick in the second round.
Concerns about missing out on Simpson, along with a fifth-year option that could come into play if the Jets select him early, might motivate the Jets to make a move and acquire him on draft night.
For the 49ers, trading down seems like a logical strategy, potentially using a model that the Giants successfully employed last year to move back into the first round and select Jackson Dart.
If this goes as planned, the 49ers could swap their 27th pick with the Cardinals to secure a second-round pick at No. 34, a third-rounder at No. 65, and a 2027 third-round pick—setting them up to leverage three selections on Day 2, including two in the second round, all while holding seven picks within the top 139 choices.
Backup plan: Utah tackles Caleb Lom
