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Raiders select Mendoza as top pick
The Las Vegas Raiders chose quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, making him the third player in history to win the Heisman Trophy, a national championship, and the top draft selection in the same year.
Mendoza's journey to the NFL
Mendoza, 22, led Indiana University to its first national title last season, earning college football's highest individual honor. He opted to celebrate the draft moment privately in Miami with family instead of attending the Pittsburgh event.
Tom Brady, a Raiders minority owner and seven-time Super Bowl champion, welcomed Mendoza on social media, writing, "Welcome to Las Vegas. Time to get to work."
Mendoza, a business graduate, announced his draft declaration with a LinkedIn update: "My LinkedIn status is now Open to Work." He later revealed he had spoken with Brady, who promised to mentor the Raiders' newest quarterback.
Draft night surprises and trades
The New York Jets selected pass rusher David Bailey second overall, while the Arizona Cardinals took running back Jeremiyah Love at third. The Tennessee Titans surprised analysts by drafting wide receiver Carnell Tate fourth.
The New York Giants used two top-10 picks to bolster both offense and defense, selecting pass rusher Arvell Reese fifth and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa tenth. Mauigoa, who grew up in American Samoa, honored his heritage with a custom suit jacket.
The Kansas City Chiefs traded up to sixth overall to draft cornerback Mansoor Delane, while the Dallas Cowboys moved up one spot to claim safety Caleb Downs at 11th. The Los Angeles Rams made headlines by selecting quarterback Ty Simpson 13th, a pick many considered premature for the Alabama signal-caller.
Emotional moments and family legacies
Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson broke down in tears after being drafted by the New Orleans Saints. Meanwhile, Washington Commanders' seventh pick Sonny Styles, son of Super Bowl-winning linebacker Lorenzo Styles, called his older brother his "best friend and inspiration."
Caleb Downs, whose father Gary was an NFL running back and brother Josh currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts, attended the draft with his parents.
Draft day drama and analysis
The first round saw eight trades, with the Pittsburgh Steelers losing their planned pick when the Philadelphia Eagles moved ahead to select wide receiver Makai Lemon. The Steelers then drafted offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, who emigrated from Nigeria at age 13.
Analysts questioned the Rams' decision to draft Ty Simpson so early, noting his limited college experience and struggles under pressure. However, Rams head coach Sean McVay will oversee Simpson's development behind veteran Matthew Stafford, who recently committed to one more season.
"I never thought I'd be here. If I can do it, you can do it."
Francis Mauigoa, New York Giants offensive tackle
What's next
The draft continues Friday with rounds two and three, followed by rounds four through seven on Saturday. A record 320,000 fans attended the opening night in Pittsburgh.
