Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is choosing a more personal route on one of the biggest nights of his life. According to reports, Mendoza has informed the NFL that he will not attend the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, instead opting to spend the moment with his family in Miami.
While the NFL Draft has become a major spectacle, Mendoza is prioritizing a more intimate setting for the milestone moment. The decision reflects a growing trend among top prospects who choose to celebrate with close family rather than attend the league’s live event.
Raiders Expected to Make It Official
The Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to select Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick after his historic season at Indiana.
Mendoza:
- Won the Heisman Trophy
- Led the Indiana Hoosiers football to a College Football Playoff National Championship
- Emerged as the clear-cut top quarterback in the 2026 class
He was also scheduled for a pre-draft visit with Las Vegas, further signaling the likely outcome.
Not the First Top Pick to Stay Home
Mendoza joins a growing list of No. 1 picks who skipped attending the draft in person, including:
- Travon Walker (2022)
- Trevor Lawrence (2021)
- Baker Mayfield (2018)
- Myles Garrett (2017)
For many players, the moment has shifted from a public stage to a private celebration with those who helped them reach it.
Draft Details
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh, with the first round scheduled for April 23. While Mendoza won’t be in attendance, all signs point to him being the face of the draft and the future of the Raiders franchise.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
