2026 NFL Draft Begins

Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner who led the Hoosiers to a national championship, has been a lock for the Las Vegas Raiders for months.

Beyond the first pick, analysts predict a volatile top five, with the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals considering various trade-up scenarios.

The draft arrives amid growing tension between the league and prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket over betting integrity.

Thousands of fans have gathered in downtown Pittsburgh for the first round, which is being broadcast live to millions of viewers globally.