TL;DR
The Raiders are all but printing Mendoza's jersey, but the real draft intrigue lives in the mid-first-round quarterback scramble.
MSM Perspective
ESPN's draft coverage treats Mendoza at No. 1 as settled science, pivoting to trade scenarios deeper in the round.
X Perspective
X is fixated on Mendoza skipping Pittsburgh to watch with his wheelchair-bound mother in Miami — humanizing a coronation.
The 2026 NFL Draft begins April 23 in Pittsburgh, and the loudest question in professional football has the quietest answer: Fernando Mendoza will go first to the Las Vegas Raiders, and everyone knows it. [1]
The Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana visited Raiders facilities on Tuesday, meeting with general manager John Spytek and head coach Klint Kubiak in what ESPN called "a formality." [1] Mendoza has informed the league he will not attend the draft in Pittsburgh, choosing instead to watch from Miami with his family — his mother, Elsa, has battled multiple sclerosis for years. The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins this offseason to keep the seat warm while their rookie develops under center.
The real action sits further down the board. Alabama's Ty Simpson has climbed into late first-round conversation after a strong combine, while Carson Beck — who transferred from Georgia to Miami — now projects as a Day 2 pick after an inconsistent final college season. [2] On defense, LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane is the draft's fastest riser, with multiple teams in the top 15 making calls.
The Los Angeles Rams, picking 13th, are reportedly eyeing wide receivers Carnell Tate and Makai Lemon to bolster their passing game. [2] Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans are fielding calls about quarterback Will Levis, whose trade value has cratered since last season's benching.
Two weeks of smokescreens remain. Only the top pick is certain.
-- AMARA OKONKWO, Lagos
Sources & X Posts
News Sources