Fernando Mendoza faces his biggest challenge yet: transforming the struggling Las Vegas Raiders into championship contenders.
Las Vegas selected the Indiana quarterback with Thursday’s first overall pick in the NFL Draft. The 22-year-old becomes the focal point of the franchise’s rebuilding efforts after his remarkable season with the Hoosiers, where he captured the Heisman Trophy and guided the program to its inaugural national championship.
During his final college campaign, Mendoza threw 41 touchdown passes against just six interceptions while completing 72% of his attempts, leading Indiana to a flawless 16-0 season that few predicted. The Hoosiers entered the year holding the FBS record for most losses in history with 715 defeats.
Las Vegas’s choice came as no shock given their dismal 3-14 finish in 2025. The selection had been widely anticipated for months as the Raiders searched for their franchise quarterback. The remaining question centers on whether Mendoza will immediately claim the starting role or learn behind veteran Kirk Cousins initially.
While the Raiders’ selection lacked drama, the remainder of the top 10 delivered plenty of unexpected moves.
New York’s Jets surprised many by choosing Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey second overall. Bailey recorded 14.5 sacks across 14 games last season, leading the Jets to overlook heavily favored edge rusher Arvell Reese.
Arizona made another stunning move at third overall, selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Despite having other pressing needs, the Cardinals couldn’t pass on Love’s explosive ability after he averaged 6.9 yards per rush and scored 18 rushing touchdowns.
Tennessee continued the surprises at fourth overall by choosing Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate over top defensive prospects. Tate hauled in 51 receptions for nine touchdowns during the 2025 season.
Speaking about his new partnership with Titans quarterback Cam Ward, Tate expressed confidence in their future connection.
“I’m a reliable target for him,” Tate stated. “Whenever he needs me, I’m there for him. I’m always open.”
The New York Giants capitalized on Reese’s slide, grabbing him fifth overall to bolster what could become one of the league’s most formidable pass-rushing groups.
“The Giants told me they’re going to get unique with me,” Reese commented. “They said they’re going to use me in a bunch of unique ways. I’m looking forward to that.”
The evening’s first trade materialized when Kansas City moved up three spots from ninth to sixth, sending Cleveland their third-round selection (74th overall) and fifth-round pick (148th overall) to make the jump.
The Chiefs then chose LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with their acquired pick.
Delane revealed that Kansas City had kept their interest quiet throughout the pre-draft process, apparently as a strategic deception.
“They said they just wanted to keep it quiet and make that sneak move,” Delane explained. “And they made the best move in the draft. So I’m excited.”
Washington continued the Ohio State trend at seventh overall by selecting linebacker Sonny Styles, making him the third Buckeye chosen among the top seven picks. New Orleans followed at eighth by drafting Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.
Two offensive linemen completed the top 10 selections.
Cleveland used the ninth pick to select Utah tackle Spencer Fano. The Giants then utilized their second first-round selection to choose Miami Hurricanes tackle Francis Mauigoa tenth overall.
Dallas moved quickly when Ohio State safety Caleb Downs dropped beyond the top 10. The Cowboys traded up one position to 11th overall, sending Miami the 12th pick plus two fifth-round selections (177th and 180th overall) to secure Downs for their secondary.
Miami responded by taking Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor with the 12th pick, making him the third offensive lineman selected.
Los Angeles delivered another shock at 13th overall by choosing Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. The Rams saw an opportunity to secure their future signal-caller, who will develop under head coach Sean McVay and veteran starter Matthew Stafford.
“Two of the greatest minds in offense,” Simpson said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Baltimore selected Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane 14th overall, while Tampa Bay chose Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. with the 15th pick.
Bain Jr. openly expressed his frustration about falling to the 15th selection and spoke passionately about proving the Buccaneers made the correct decision.
“I know I’m the best in the country, and I’m going to show it,” he declared.
The Jets added Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq 16th overall, followed by Detroit selecting Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with the 17th pick.
