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Raiders draft Fernando Mendoza first

Raiders draft Fernando Mendoza first

The 2026 NFL Draft opened in Pittsburgh with the Las Vegas Raiders making Indiana's Fernando Mendoza the top selection, fulfilling months of speculation.

Mendoza's rise from a two-star recruit to the number one pick follows a historic collegiate season where he led the Hoosiers to a national title.

Raiders minority owner Tom Brady welcomed the young signal-caller, who celebrated the milestone with family at his home in Coral Gables.

The selection marks a pivotal moment for the Raiders as they attempt to erase a legacy of draft-day failures and return to postseason relevance.

Fernando Mendoza Bobak Ha'Eri, CC BY 3.0
Fernando Mendoza
American football quarterback (born 2003)
Las Vegas Raiders
National Football League franchise in Las Vegas, Nevada
Tom Brady
American football player (born 1977)
Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
Defunct Indianapolis campus of Indiana University which included two Purdue University schools
Pittsburgh
City and county seat in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States