Two Latino quarterbacks created history at December’s Heisman Trophy presentation, marking the first occasion that players of Latino heritage claimed both the top honor and runner-up position in the award’s long history.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza captured the prestigious trophy, becoming only the third Latino player to achieve this distinction alongside Jim Plunkett and Bryce Young. Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia earned the runner-up spot in the voting.
As Thursday’s NFL draft approaches, both signal-callers remain focal points of speculation regarding their professional destinations. Draft analysts predict Mendoza will be selected first overall, with the quarterback-hungry Las Vegas Raiders viewed as the likely destination. Pavia, meanwhile, seeks to silence any remaining critics about his professional potential.
The two quarterbacks represent just a portion of the Latino talent pool awaiting selection before Saturday’s draft conclusion. Nine players with Latino heritage participated in February’s NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.
Mendoza appears destined for the opening selection after an outstanding season that included 3,535 passing yards and a nation-leading 41 touchdown throws, plus seven rushing scores. His memorable rushing touchdown helped secure Indiana’s national championship victory. The quarterback proudly celebrates his Cuban heritage, frequently discussing how his parents and extended family influenced his development. His four grandparents departed Cuba in 1959.
Standing 5-foot-11 1/2 and weighing 196 pounds, KC Concepcion became one of college football’s premier versatile threats in 2025, earning first-team All-America recognition as an all-purpose performer. Though his Puerto Rican background adds to his compelling story, scouts may question his elite speed after recording a 4.43-second 40-yard dash. However, Concepcion consistently produces in critical situations and when plays seem destined to fail. He has also written openly about overcoming a speech impediment, expressing his desire to inspire others who “may be too scared to speak.” Expect his selection on Day 1 or early Day 2.
Rodriguez contributed across multiple areas for one of last season’s elite defensive units. The 6-1, 231-pound defender recorded 128 tackles while breaking up seven passes, intercepting four, forcing seven fumbles, recovering two, and adding one sack. The unanimous All-American claimed the Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, and Bednarik Award while playing alongside numerous future NFL talents. His college versatility included quarterback duties at Virginia in 2021. Questions remain about his optimal professional position and how his diverse experience will transfer to the next level.
Despite measuring 5-11 and 186 pounds, smaller than traditional linebackers, York could fill the safety-linebacker hybrid role increasingly popular among NFL teams. The second-team all-SEC honoree started throughout his three seasons with the Aggies, concluding last year with 72 tackles and three pass breakups. York represents one of five draft prospects with Mexican family connections. Anticipate his selection during Day 2 or early Day 3.
Pavia ranks among this draft class’s most divisive prospects, partly due to his outspoken nature and partly because of his 5-foot-10 stature, well below most teams’ quarterback preferences. However, two aspects of his background cannot be dismissed — his consistent ability to exceed expectations and his winning track record. His college journey began at New Mexico Military Institute, progressed to New Mexico State, then culminated with leading Vanderbilt through its most successful consecutive seasons in recent decades. The 2025 SEC Offensive Player of the Year and Vanderbilt’s first Heisman finalist now awaits discovery of which NFL organization will provide another opportunity to prove his worth.
Throughout stops at Cal Poly, Washington, and Alabama, Cuevas established himself more as a reliable blocker than pass-catcher. While his 6-3 1/2, 245-pound frame might prompt teams to envision him as a fullback rather than tight end, several appealing qualities exist. He delivered respectable production last season with the Tide — 37 catches, 411 yards, four touchdowns — and achieved career highs during 2022 at Cal Poly with 58 receptions, 678 yards, and six scores. Coaches will value his accountability, demonstrated when he apologized to Alabama supporters following the 2025 season-opening defeat to Florida State, acknowledging the team’s failure to meet expected standards. He also utilized his Senior Bowl platform to endorse Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer.
Carmona displayed adaptability last season by transitioning to guard after three years at left tackle. This move provided NFL evaluators with insight into his potential next-level role, given his shorter arms and substantial 6-4 1/2, 316-pound build. His college progression showed steady improvement, advancing from honorable mention all-Western Athletic Conference recognition at San Jose State in 2023 to third-team all-SEC in 2024 and second-team all-SEC last year. While scouts appreciate his enthusiasm and competitive edge, they recognize he’ll require refined technique to succeed professionally.
Aguilar represents a unique prospect who preferred avoiding any draft consideration. Despite accumulating 3,565 passing yards and 24 touchdowns during his lone Tennessee season, he sought to return for another collegiate campaign. However, days before the NFL scouting combine commenced, a Tennessee court rejected his preliminary injunction, forcing him into draft eligibility. This ruling placed Aguilar in an uncomfortable situation since other prospects had spent months preparing for the draft process. His eventual selection — or lack thereof — remains highly unpredictable.
Cruz possesses the physical dimensions teams desire — 6-5 1/2, 313 pounds — along with the flexibility they value in later-round selections, having played both tackle positions in college. He also demonstrated resilience by overcoming a demotion from starter to backup at Syracuse, ultimately reclaiming the starting role last year at Kansas. Whether these qualities will attract NFL interest remains to be determined.
