Roger Goodell teases Cleveland Browns Hulu show during 2026 NFL Draft

TL;DR

Roger Goodell hinted at a new Hulu show during the 2026 NFL Draft, confusing fans with a fictional Ohio State player as the Browns' first pick. The actual first pick was Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, selected by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Key points

Roger Goodell teased a new Hulu show during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Goodell announced a fictional player as the Browns' first pick.
Fernando Mendoza was the actual first pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Mentioned in this story

HuluRoger Goodell

Cleveland BrownsLas Vegas RaidersNFL Draft 2026

The 2026 NFL Draft could be using its platform to help launch another hit sports film based on Roger Goodell’s comments this week.

The Cleveland Browns didn’t own the number one pick in this year’s draft, but Goodell managed to confuse AFC North fans in Pittsburgh. This week, Goodell and NFL Films recorded a viral moment with the commissioner revealing a fictional Ohio State star as the number one pick.

MORE: Watch 2026 NFL Draft live on Fubo (free trial)

Fernando Mendoza turned out to be the actual first pick when the Las Vegas Raiders selected the Indiana star. However, Goodell and the NFL’s production team may have spilled the beans on a new Hulu show coming out.

Roger Goodell just came on stage to announce Ohio State QB Connor Roarke as the Clelevand Browns’ 1st draft pick — except the crowd was told it was for an unidentified scripted production. pic.twitter.com/jUgzztqWQf

— Jim Lokay (@Lokay) April 24, 2026

Hulu is set to debut a new program called “The Land” centered around the Browns. That’s why many NFL fans were confused this week when Goodell was shown in Pittsburgh with Cleveland holding the number one pick.

Goodell spills Hulu show plot during NFL Draft

The show centers around Ohio State Buckeyes signal caller Connor Roarke, who is expected to be the number one pick in the NFL Draft. The Browns coincidentally are the focal point of the show just like in the hit movie “Draft Day.”

Some NFL followers believed that Goodell’s production ploy at the 2026 draft could be hinting at the film’s sequel. That doesn’t seem to be the case, though.

Q&A

What did Roger Goodell say about the Cleveland Browns' draft pick?

Roger Goodell announced a fictional Ohio State quarterback as the Browns' first pick, which was part of a scripted production.

Who was the actual first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The actual first pick was Fernando Mendoza, selected by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Is there a new Hulu show related to the NFL Draft?

Yes, Roger Goodell's comments suggest that a new Hulu show is in the works, potentially based on the events of the draft.