Las Vegas Raiders are on the Clock: 4 Paths to Rebuild with top pick

The Las Vegas Raiders are officially on the clock. After the New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday afternoon, the Raiders clinched the number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. For a team that finished 3–14 and ranked 29th in total offense according to ESPN Stats & Info, the silver and black now find themselves in the driver’s seat, holding a franchise-altering opportunity. The question isn’t just who they’ll draft, but it’s which path they’ll take to steer their rebuild.

Option 1: Stand Pat and Take a Quarterback

The most straightforward choice, and the one most analysts expect, is staying at number one and selecting a quarterback. ESPN’s early mock draft projects Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore as the two top options. Both quarterbacks are seen as potential franchise centerpieces, and taking one would give the Raiders a young leader to build around.

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Option 2: Sign Malik Willis and Draft Linebacker Arvell Reese

Another intriguing scenario is adding a proven quarterback through free agency. Malik Willis, who has looked like he is ready to lead a franchise while stepping in for Love and the Packers. If the Raiders believe Willis’ growth and poise are sustainable, they could sign him as their starter and pivot to addressing defense. That move would free Las Vegas to target Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, who displayed elite sideline-to-sideline speed. Pairing Willis with a defensive cornerstone could balance the roster more quickly than a complete offensive reset.

Option 3: Trade for Mac Jones and Rebuild the Defense

A third possibility is a trade. Sources around the league suggest San Francisco might listen to offers for quarterback Mac Jones. The Raiders could acquire Jones for a mid-round pick, giving them a starter capable of leading an efficient, play-action-heavy offense. That would again free them to use the number one pick on Reese, a dynamic defender capable of anchoring a Raiders front seven that finished 25th against the run, according to PFF data.

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Option 4: Trade Back for Future Assets

The final route could test fans' patience and would involve trading back. The value of the number one pick is enormous; history shows teams desperate for quarterbacks often overpay. If a great offer arrives, Vegas could gain multiple first-rounders and depth pieces, accelerating a multi-year rebuild. While it might delay the excitement of naming a new franchise quarterback, it could lay a stronger foundation for sustained success.

The Raiders now sit in a rare position of controlling the 2026 NFL Draft narrative. Whether they invest in a young passer, sign a veteran, or trade down for assets, every option carries both promise and risk. What’s certain is that the franchise’s next move will define its identity for the rest of the decade.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Las Vegas Raiders are on the Clock: 4 Paths to Rebuild with top pick