Raiders celebrating their No.1 pick with confetti and a glowing LED scoreboard showing 34-17 at Allegiant Stadium

Raiders Secure First Draft Pick After Giants’ Win

At a Glance

  • Raiders secure the first overall pick after the Giants’ 34-17 win over the Cowboys.
  • The Giants finished 4-13, giving the Raiders the worst record in the league.
  • This is only the second time the franchise has the top draft spot, the first being in 2007.
  • Why it matters: The Raiders will choose the first player in the NFL draft, shaping their future roster.

After a decisive 34-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Giants secured the worst record in the NFL, giving the Las Vegas Raiders the first overall pick in this year’s draft. The Giants’ victory on Sunday ensured the Raiders, who were 2-14 before the game, would finish with the league’s worst record.

Raiders draft board shows grid of NFL team flags with silver top flag and descending order emphasizing precision.

Draft Order Determined

Because the Giants finished 4-13 and defeated the Cowboys, the Raiders inherit the first overall pick regardless of their loss to the Chiefs. Even if the Giants had lost, the Raiders would still have the top pick after a loss to the Chiefs.

  • Giants’ 34-17 win over the Cowboys
  • Raiders’ 2-14 record before the game
  • Raiders now hold the first overall pick

Raiders’ Draft Strategy

This is only the second time the Raiders have the top pick; their first was in 2007 when they selected quarterback JaMarcus Russell from LSU. Russell became one of the franchise’s biggest draft busts.

  • Consider drafting Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza of Indiana
  • Consider drafting Dante Moore of Oregon
  • Focus on quarterback prospects

Key Takeaways

  • Raiders secure first overall pick after Giants win
  • Raiders’ last top pick was 2007 with JaMarcus Russell
  • Raiders may target Heisman winners Mendoza and Moore

With the draft order set, Raiders officials will now evaluate options to rebuild their roster, potentially adding a new quarterback to replace a long-term loss.

Author

  • Isaac Thornwell covers transportation and urban mobility for News of Austin, reporting on how infrastructure and planning decisions shape the city’s growth. A Texas A&M urban planning graduate, he’s known for translating complex transit data and policy into clear, impactful stories for Austin residents.

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