Top NFL Prospect Reveals Team Suggested He Get Arrested to Fall in Draft

Fernando Mendoza says a team executive told him to get arrested so he would slide down to that team's pick.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 10:05am

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Fernando Mendoza, the projected top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, revealed that a team executive suggested he get arrested so that he would slide down to that team's pick in the upcoming draft. Mendoza, the former Indiana quarterback who led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship, declined to reveal which team made the bizarre suggestion.

Why it matters

This revelation raises ethical concerns about the lengths some teams may go to manipulate the draft process. It also highlights the immense pressure and scrutiny top prospects face as they navigate the pre-draft process.

The details

During an interview at the NFL Combine, Mendoza was asked about the most bizarre question he received from teams. He revealed that one team executive suggested he should "get arrested" so that he would "slide" down in the draft order, allowing that team to potentially select him at a lower pick.

  • Mendoza revealed the team's suggestion during an interview on Friday at the 2026 NFL Combine.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The projected top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza is the former Indiana quarterback who led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship.

Las Vegas Raiders

The team that is currently projected to select Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“It was, 'hey, maybe you should get arrested,' and I was a little confused, but then I was like, the slide ... so you could slide in the draft.”

— Fernando Mendoza, NFL Prospect (CBS Sports)

What’s next

Mendoza said he has no plans to get arrested, stating "So, hopefully I don't get arrested." The NFL and teams will likely investigate this incident further to determine if any improper conduct occurred.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ethical dilemmas and questionable tactics that can arise in the high-stakes world of the NFL draft. It raises concerns about the pressures placed on top prospects and the need for greater oversight to ensure the process remains fair and above-board.