Michael Canelo

Joined: May 21, 2024

Michael Canel is a breaking news beat writer for various team sites across the On SI platform, focusing on both college and professional sports. A graduate of Fresno State University, he has transformed his passion for sports into a career, covering the latest breaking news with years of expertise and the enthusiasm of a devoted fan.

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) celebrates with Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) after sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (19) for a safety during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Feb 10, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek at press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Apr 8, 2026; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks at a press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) rushes up the field Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, during the 100th annual Old Oaken Bucket game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette.

The Las Vegas Raiders' future quarterback is going to be Fernando Mendoza. Now they are comparing him to see if he will be a top pick across different draft classes.

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (QB11) looks on during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

What to make of the critics who are saying the Raiders' future quarterback is not going to plan out.

Nov 21, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis (left) and general manager Mike Mayock react before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders will develop their future quarterback starting next season.

Dec 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks the field before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr likes the signing of new quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders have a good and unique quarterback situation on their hands going into next season.

The Las Vegas Raiders need a solid 2026 NFL Draft to stay on course with their plans.

The Las Vegas Raiders could be looking to take a speedy wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Las Vegas Raiders elite defensive end Maxx Crosby is the one that teams game plan for when they are playing the Raiders.

Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field after loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

One of the biggest questions that will stick with the Las Vegas Raiders is, will Maxx Crosby be a Raider for life?

Feb 10, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis at a press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Raiders have a great history when it comes to being the most iconic franchise in the NFL. When they are going good, the NFL is better. That has not been the case for decades.

Fernando Mendoza participates in Indiana University's Pro Day at Mellencamp Pavilion on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Las Vegas Raiders future quarterback Fernando Mendoza has taken most of his snaps in college out of the shotgun. That is something that does not concern the Raiders.

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders will say a lot by the way they handle the wide receiver position in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Michael Canelo

Joined: May 21, 2024

Why Raiders Fans Should Be Optimistic Heading Into 2026 Season

Second Most Important Position for Raiders in Draft

Where It Makes Most Sense for Raiders To Trade Up

Raiders QB Situation Could Reportedly Go Either Way

Why Raiders Patiently Waiting for Mendoza Will Pay Off

Why Critics Are Dead Wrong About Future Raider Fernando Mendoza

Former Raiders GM Mayock Speaks on Young QB Development

Derek Carr Has Full Faith in New Raiders QB Cousins

Former QBs Speak on Raiders Situation at the Position

Why Raiders Need Good Draft To Align with Future Plans

Don't Sleep on This Speedy WR in the NFL Draft

The Advantage the Raiders Gain from Maxx Crosby's Return

Former GM Says Crosby Will Stick Around

Why the Entire NFL Would Benefit From a Raiders Resurgence

Raiders Not Worried About 1 Potential Mendoza Red Flag

Draft Will Show if Raiders are Believers of Bech, Thornton