Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza plans to skip the official NFL draft ceremony in Pittsburgh, choosing instead to celebrate with loved ones in Miami when his name is called, according to a source familiar with the quarterback’s intentions.
The source shared this information with The Associated Press Tuesday while requesting anonymity since Mendoza has not publicly announced his draft day plans.
While the NFL draft begins April 23 in Pittsburgh, where most elite prospects gather to shake hands with Commissioner Roger Goodell on stage, some top selections opt to celebrate elsewhere. Recent first overall picks Trevor Lawrence in 2021 and defensive end Travon Walker in 2022 also chose to watch the proceedings remotely.
Mendoza, who guided Indiana to a national championship after claiming college football’s most prestigious individual award, is widely anticipated to be the Raiders’ first selection. Las Vegas leadership has indicated they plan to gradually integrate the young quarterback into their starting rotation rather than rushing him onto the field immediately.
The Raiders’ recent signing of veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins supports this approach, with Cousins likely taking the reins while Mendoza develops. Cousins has already arrived in Las Vegas to participate in the team’s offseason training program.
