Indiana QB Mendoza's Sidekick Projected as First-Round Pick

Las Vegas Raiders hold the top selection in the 2026 NFL Draft

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the colors of the Indiana Hoosiers and Las Vegas Raiders, capturing the dynamic action and energy of a football game.The Raiders' draft strategy beyond the top pick could shape the franchise's future, as Mendoza's talented teammate emerges as a potential first-round selection.Las Vegas Today

For months, Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been widely projected as the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the top selection, will not only get their franchise quarterback in Mendoza, but also have extra time to focus on the rest of their draft picks in a league driven by parity.

Why it matters

Mendoza's status as the presumptive top pick has been a major storyline leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the Raiders may have an equally valuable asset in one of Mendoza's teammates, who is also generating significant first-round buzz among NFL scouts.

The details

While Mendoza has garnered the bulk of the attention, one of his Indiana teammates has also emerged as a potential first-round selection. This player's performance and skill set have caught the eye of NFL evaluators, who believe he could be an immediate impact player at the professional level.

  • Mendoza has been projected as the likely first overall pick for months leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in late April.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The star quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers, who is widely projected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Las Vegas Raiders

The NFL team that holds the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, giving them the opportunity to select Mendoza as their franchise quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“Mendoza has been the talk of the draft for good reason, but his teammate could end up being just as valuable of a pick for the team that selects him in the first round.”

— NFL Scout

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft order will be finalized in the coming weeks, and teams will continue to evaluate prospects leading up to the event.

The takeaway

The 2026 NFL Draft class features multiple potential impact players, with Mendoza as the presumptive top pick but his Indiana teammate also generating significant first-round buzz. The Raiders will have the opportunity to shape their franchise's future with the first overall selection.