Fernando Mendoza, likely No. 1 overall pick, will reportedly not attend 2026 NFL Draft, opts to stay home
The Raiders hold the top pick and will most likely select the Heisman Trophy winner.
When Fernando Mendoza hears his name called during the 2026 NFL Draft later this month, he’ll do so surrounded by friends and family at home. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter , the likely No. 1 overall pick will stay at home in Miami and not attend the draft in Pittsburgh.
The Las Vegas Raiders hold the top overall selection in the draft, which will take place April 23-25. The last top pick to not be in attendance was Trevor Lawrence, who was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 one year after the event was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, Mendoza will make his only scheduled pre-draft visit with the Raiders, getting to know the coaching staff and acclimated with the franchise’s facilities.
Mendoza, who won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to the school’s first-ever NCAA title last season, may not see action right away after the Raiders’ signing of Kirk Cousins . But having a veteran quarterback alongside the rookie will help the first-year signal caller whether they chose to be patient or throw Mendoza right in.