Arizona Cardinals draft picks tracker: Updated list of 2026 selections, next pick predictions
Track the Arizona Cardinals' 2026 Draft Picks and Predictions
Roger Goodell is set to be booed again as he announces the Las Vegas Raiders' pick of Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. This situation recalls a troubling omen from 2007 when the Raiders selected JaMarcus Russell as the top pick.
Roger Goodell, boos and a terrible NFL Draft omen for the Raiders and Fernando Mendoza originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Roger Goodell will be booed before he announces the Las Vegas Raiders' (presumed) pick of Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza in the No. 1 overall spot of the 2026 NFL Draft.
That's normal, but a look back at Goodell's draft history has a bad omen for the Raiders.
You have to go back to Goodell's first draft as the NFL's commissioner. It was 2007, and the Oakland Raiders were on the clock with the first pick.
They chose JaMarcus Russell out of LSU.
MORE:The full origin story of ESPN's NFL Draft pick chime
He became one of the biggest busts in NFL history.
MORE:NFL Draft pick trade value chart shows how deals are made
Now to be totally clear, there's no way that a pick 19 years ago has any bearing on how Mendoza turns out for the Raiders.
He grew into a surefire NFL prospect in his time with the Hoosiers, and he'll get every chance to succeed with the Raiders -- who even brought in veteran mentor Kirk Cousins to help along the way.
But long-time fans of the Raiders surely wouldn't mind not having to think too much about Russell (sorry about that). He's not exactly a good memory for the franchise.
There's no reason to think that Mendoza will be a bust.
But 19 years ago, there was Goodell for the first time, getting booed and announcing Russell's name. The rest is history.
Roger Goodell being booed is a tradition at the NFL Draft, highlighting the mixed feelings fans have towards the commissioner.
The Raiders selected JaMarcus Russell out of LSU with the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.
Selecting Fernando Mendoza first overall could signify the Raiders' attempt to rebuild and find a franchise quarterback after past draft struggles.
Track the Arizona Cardinals' 2026 Draft Picks and Predictions
Patrick Vieira insists Arsenal 'know how to win' amid City's rise to the top.
Florida Gators take the top overall seed in ESPN's first bracketology for 2027!
Jets face tough choice between Arvell Reese and David Bailey for 2026 draft
Derrick White of the Celtics wins the NBA Sportsmanship Award for the second year in a row!
Top SEC Prospects for Bears in the 2026 NFL Draft
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.