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NFLFeature
Why Fernando Mendoza is staying home for the 2026 NFL Draft
TL;DR
Fernando Mendoza, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will not attend the event. Despite being the top quarterback and a likely selection by the Las Vegas Raiders, he has chosen to stay home.
Key points
- Fernando Mendoza is the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
- He will not attend the draft event
- The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select him
Fernando MendozaLas Vegas Raiders
Why Fernando Mendoza is staying home for the 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It's very rare to not see the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft in attendance, but that is the case with Fernando Mendoza, the projected No. 1 overall pick of the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza going to the Raiders is the worst-kept secret in the NFL. Everyone on planet Earth knows the Raiders will take Mendoza, and for multiple reasons.
Not only is Mendoza far and away the best quarterback in this year's draft, the Raiders have also been a black hole for the position for years now.
But when Mendoza's name is officially called, he won't be going up to the stage to get his cap and jersey and pose for a photo op with Roger Goodell.
Instead, he'll be watching his name called from home.
Why Fernando Mendoza isn't attending NFL Draft
It has been known for weeks now that Mendoza wouldn't be in attendance and the answer why is very simple: Mendoza wanted to celebrate his big night with his family.
"Pittsburgh is a great opportunity and great venue, and I'm really excited to see all the guys walk across the stage on Thursday night," Mendoza said this week. "My mom really wanted to do it at home, and so did my parents. It's a lot easier for us. Especially with the family situation."
Mendoza revealed that after his night of celebrating the biggest moment of his football career, he'll be hopping on a plan to Sin City.
Q&A
Why is Fernando Mendoza not attending the 2026 NFL Draft?
Fernando Mendoza has decided to stay home for personal reasons, despite being the projected No. 1 overall pick.
Which team is expected to draft Fernando Mendoza in 2026?
The Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to select Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What makes Fernando Mendoza the best quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Fernando Mendoza is considered the best quarterback due to his exceptional skills and performance, making him a standout in this year's draft class.