NFL Draft Round 1 Preview: Which Big Ten Players Will Be Drafted?

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 21: Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza throws the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals at loanDepot park on April 21, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Tomas Diniz Santos/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s Fernando Mendoza and…who?

Good morning. We’ll be back to talk about horseshoes and NIL as soon as I can get out from under this mountain of grading and this new book of mine. Exciting times in the MNW household.

Tonight, I’m told, begins the NFL Draft. People really care about this.

• When: Thursday, April 23
• Time: 7pm
• Watch: ESPN, ABC

So let’s tell you what Big Ten players could be drafted tonight and what you should know about them.

Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)

• Expected Draft Position (Team): 1 (Las Vegas Raiders)
• Why here? Won a national championship
• Profile/What to Know: Corny. Maintains a LinkedIn profile. Might be earnest about it, which makes it all cringier, somehow.
• Reaction: Can’t wait to see Kirk Cousins 2.0 crash and burn under the tutelage of…….Kirk Cousins.

Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State)

• Expected Draft Position (Team): 2? (Is this where the Jets draft? I haven’t looked. I just assume.)
• Why Here? Because the Jets are terrible, duh.