Fernando Mendoza's Skipping the Draft, and He's Got Family Plans That Say Everything

The projected No. 1 overall pick is not going to be in Pittsburgh when his name gets called. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Fernando Mendoza has told the NFL he won't be attending the draft in person. Instead, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback wants to experience draft night with his family back in Miami. That's the move.

The Raiders Are Ready to Make Him Official

The Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to take Mendoza first overall after he led Indiana to the College Football Playoff championship last season. The kid has already earned a visit to Raiders headquarters in Las Vegas, which was scheduled for Tuesday according to Schefter's reporting. But while the Raiders get their guy on the clock, Mendoza will be celebrating thousands of miles away.

He's Not Alone in This Decision

Skipping the draft in person isn't unheard of for top picks. Mendoza joins some pretty elite company here. Travon Walker (2022), Trevor Lawrence (2021), Baker Mayfield (2018), and Myles Garrett (2017) all chose to spend draft night with their families at alternate locations instead of walking across the stage in front of the cameras. Sometimes the moment means more with the people who got you there.

The 2026 NFL draft kicks off in Pittsburgh on April 23, with the first round happening that night. Even if Mendoza isn't there physically, you know he'll be watching when the Raiders are on the clock.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.