Indiana Hoosiers could end NFL draft drought in 2026
The Indiana Hoosiers could end a long NFL draft drought in 2026 with QB Fernando Mendoza and WR Omar Cooper.
The 2026 NFL draft takes place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. And it shouldn't be long before a certain drought ends, with an Indiana Hoosiers player expected to go in the first round. In the 1994 first round, the New York Giants went 24th and took Hoosiers WR, Thomas Lewis.
The wideout lasted until 1997 with Big Blue, making 74 catches in four seasons . His best year was 1996, when he had 53 receptions, including four touchdowns. The rest of his NFL career was 21 grabs.
The 2026 draft is expected to see QB Fernando Mendoza go first to the Las Vegas Raiders . Another Hoosier, WR Omar Cooper, is also being mentioned as a possible first-round pick. A look at the Hoosiers who have been chosen in the first round of the draft in the Super Bowl era.
1968 NFL draft Player: Doug Crusan Team: Miami Dolphins Pick: 27 1974 NFL draft Player: Carl Barzilauskas Team: New York Jets Pick: 6 1984 NFL draft Player: Duane Gunn Team: Pittsburgh Steelers Pick: 9 (supplemental draft) 1985 NFL draft Player: Kevin Allen Team: Philadelphia Eagles Pick: 9 1988 NFL draft Player: Eric Moore Team: New York Giants Pick: 10 1992 NFL draft Player: Vaughn Dunbar Team: New Orleans Saints Pick: 21 1994 NFL draft Player: Thomas Lewis Team: New York Giants Pick: 24 This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Will Fernando Mendoza end drought for Indiana players at NFL draft?