Fernando Mendoza Shocks Fans by Skipping NFL Draft—Reason Revealed

Fernando Mendoza has other ideas.

Fernando Mendoza is likely going to be the number one pick in the NFL Draft. He has been described as a franchise-changing quarterback that no team should pass on.

Historically, the top picks in the Draft are at the venue so they can have their day in front of fans. That includes putting on their cap and shaking Roger Goodell’s hand. That won’t be happening in 2026.

ESPN has reported that Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza has informed the NFL that he is not attending the upcoming Draft this month.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Mendoza wants to share the draft experience with his family in Miami. Only so many friends and family can show up to the Draft, which is why Mendoza wants to do it at home. He is likely to have a house full of supporters.

The last top pick to not be in attendance was Travon Walker, who was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022.

Fernando Mendoza Is Expected To be Selected by The Raiders

Fernando Mendoza (Image Credits: Imagn)
Will Fernando Mendoza be headed to Las Vegas later this month?

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As we move closer to the NFL Draft, things behind the scenes are starting to surface and take shape. The Indiana quarterback is projected to go No. 1, with one team asking him to be arrested, just so he falls to them. However, things can change.

A report from ESPN last week said that the Raiders have told people that they do not want to start Week 1 of the 2026 campaign with a rookie quarterback. Jets ESPN reporter Rich Cimini stated that the team will gauge whether the Raiders are interested in trading their top pick.

So far, nothing has materialized, but we still have time between now and the pick announcement for things to change. Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to the school’s first-ever national title last season.