NFL Draft Analyst Predicts Raiders, 49ers 1st-Round Strategy

With the NFL Draft fast approaching, teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers are zeroing in on roster needs that could shape their immediate future.

During an appearance on Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys, Draft Countdown’s Brian Bosarge offered insight into how both franchises may approach their picks—and didn’t hold back on strong takes.

For the Raiders, Bosarge believes the top selection is all but decided.

“I mean, you certainly hope so, you’re going to get Fernando Mendoza. I think we pretty much chiseled that into the stone tablet at this point.”

He emphasized the importance of taking a quarterback in this year’s NFL Draft, adding, “This is the year you have the number one pick. So you need a franchise quarterback. You’re going to get one with Mendoza.”

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

2026 NFL Draft Preview

Bosarge described Mendoza as a solid, if not generational, prospect.

“He’s got a lot of, you know, good traits. He’s a proven winner. He’s the national championship-winning quarterback at Indiana.”

Still, he tempered expectations when comparing him historically: “Would he have been the number one quarterback last year? Probably. Next year, probably not. But it’s the year that you’re given.”

On the 49ers’ side, the focus appears to be on trench reinforcement.

“You’ve got to think that it’s going to be an offensive tackle right at this point,” Bosarge said. He floated several names, including Utah’s Caleb Lomu, noting, “He’s actually my top-rated tackle in the class, but I am higher on him than the consensus.”

As for the Raiders’ follow-up strategy, Bosarge pointed to protection or playmakers. “It’s very possible… they’re either going to go there, or they’re going to attack the wide receiver position.”

He added that pairing Mendoza with a familiar weapon would be ideal: “You would cross your fingers that Omar Cooper Jr. from Indiana were to fall, and you get that one-two friendly pairing there.”

Bosarge also addressed the unpredictability of prospects like Makai Lemon.

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

“It’s hard for me to take stock of some of the stuff about the interviews. Are they just saying that because they want Makai Lemon to fall to them? Maybe. I don’t know.”

Looking league-wide, Bosarge identified a surprising team that could benefit most from the NFL Draft: “You’d have to think maybe Kansas City, if they get good instant contributors, they’re right back in this thing.”

Ultimately, the NFL Draft remains a blend of certainty and chaos—but as Bosarge made clear, a few key decisions could quickly redefine franchises like the Raiders and 49ers.

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

Click here for full episodes of The Drive Guys.

More NFL content from Sactown Sports

• Raiders laying foundation for long-term success with young core
• Did the 49ers overpay for free agents this offseason?
• 49ers ‘in no rush’ to remove WR Brandon Aiyuk from roster
• Matt Barrows on the 49ers’ Draft Plan & Positional Priorities

Upcoming NFL Offseason Schedule

• Thursday, April 23 – Saturday, April 25 – 2026 NFL Draft (Green Bay)
• Mid-May 2026 (TBD) – NFL Schedule Release
• May–June 2026 (TBD) – OTAs (Organized Team Activities)
• June 2026 (TBD) – Mandatory Minicamps
• Late July 2026 (TBD) – NFL Training Camps open

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