Raiders' Draft Dilemma: Can Mendoza Spark Change?

0:00It's April 9th. This is NFL News today, powered by AI tracking teams, players, and standings. Raiders been in the wilderness for over two decades. No playoff wins since their 2002 Super Bowl blowout loss. That's the big picture from a fresh breakdown on their talent drought. Straight up, they just ain't got enough good players to hang with the leagues. Best. Only sniff the playoffs twice since then, in 2016 and 2021, where they almost stunned the Bengals under interim coach Rich. Bisekia. But instead of building on that, it's been a non-stop coaching merry-go-round, Josh McDaniels, Antonio Pierce, Pete Carroll, and now Clint Kubiak, calling shots. Fans and analysts keep pointing to the empty roster as the real killer. No depth beyond stars like Max Crosby and Brock Bowers. Last year they splashed cash on free agents like it was party time, but it hasn't moved the needle yet. Now they hold the number one pick in the 2026 draft, first time since whipping on Jermarkis Russell.

1:02Eyes on QB, Fernando Mendoza, to spark things, but they need a full overhaul, stronger line, defense, receivers, everything except those two studs. Tough AFC West grind against chiefs, Broncos and Chargers, plus a brutal schedule with AFC East and NFC West foes. Raiders rising would light up the NFL again, bringing back that old fire and just winning, baby.