In just over two weeks, commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to commence the 2026 NFL draft in Pittsburgh by announcing that the Raiders are selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. Mendoza, however, is not expected to be there to join Goodell on stage and pose with his new team jersey and cap.
Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Mendoza has informed the NFL that he will not be attending the draft in person because he plans to celebrate with his family in Miami instead. The broadcast will likely show Mendoza enjoying the moment remotely, as the league typically does with players who don’t go to the draft.
