Raiders take Mendoza with first pick of NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders secured a historic moment by choosing quarterback Fernando Mendoza as their inaugural selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. At 22, Mendoza was the clear frontrunner for the top spot, having been crowned the standout performer in collegiate football the previous season. His leadership helped Indiana secure their first national championship, making him the third player in history to win the Heisman Trophy, claim a national title, and be drafted first in the same year—following Cam Newton (2011) and Joe Burrow (2020).

Despite his stature as a potential NFL icon, Mendoza chose to remain with his family in Miami rather than participate in the Pittsburgh-based draft event. The three-day ceremony drew a massive audience of 320,000, with eight trades occurring on the first day. The Steelers were poised to select defensive prospect Makai Lemon but were outmaneuvered by the Eagles, who claimed wide receiver at the 20th pick. Pittsburgh later grabbed offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, a Nigerian-born player who relocated to the U.S. at age 13.

Key selections and standout moments

The defensive front was a highlight of this year’s draft, with the New York Jets landing pass rusher David Bailey at second overall. Subsequent picks saw offensive talent dominate, as Arizona Cardinals took running back Jeremiyah Love and Tennessee Titans surprised with wide receiver Carnell Tate. The Giants, with two of the first 10 selections, bolstered their roster by selecting pass rusher Arvell Reese and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.

“I never thought I’d be here,” Mauigoa shared. “If I can do it, you can do it.”

Originating from American Samoa, Mauigoa made a personal statement by wearing a collage on his suit jacket. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs bolstered their defense by trading up from ninth to sixth to select cornerback Mansoor Delane. Delane described the move as a “sneaky” but effective strategy. The Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams also made notable decisions, with the latter surprising by taking Ty Simpson, a former Alabama quarterback expected to be selected as late as the 13th pick.

The draft continued to generate excitement, with teams like the Washington Commanders selecting Sonny Styles, the son of a Super Bowl-winning linebacker. Styles emphasized his bond with his father, stating, “He’s my best friend, my inspiration. We’ve dreamed about this since we were five years old.” The New Orleans Saints also saw an emotional moment when Jordyn Tyson cried upon being chosen, while the Cleveland Browns landed both Spencer Fano and Francis Mauigoa.

With rounds two and three set for Friday, and rounds four to seven on Saturday, the event remains a pivotal moment for NFL teams. The Jets, having moved up to claim Omar Cooper Jr., now hold three first-round picks, showcasing the dynamic nature of this year’s draft process.