Mendoza Going No. 1 But Skipping Draft, Cowboys and Rams Eyeing Trades

NFL rumor mill heats up ahead of 2026 Draft as Raiders prepare to select QB Mendoza, while other teams explore trade-up options.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:40pm

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The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be full of intrigue, with the Las Vegas Raiders expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the top overall pick. However, Mendoza has informed league officials that he plans to celebrate the moment remotely with his family in Miami rather than attending the draft in person. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams are both reportedly exploring opportunities to trade up into the top 10 picks, potentially targeting top edge rushers or elite offensive playmakers. The Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 overall also remain a wild card, with speculation they could trade down or potentially shake up the early part of the draft by selecting a running back or linebacker.

Why it matters

The 2026 NFL Draft is a pivotal moment for several teams looking to reshape their rosters through top-tier talent. Mendoza's decision to skip the draft ceremony is an unusual move, while the Cowboys' and Rams' potential trade-up plans could significantly impact the early draft order. The Cardinals' strategy at No. 3 also has the potential to create a ripple effect throughout the first round.

The details

Mendoza, the expected No. 1 overall pick, has already begun installing the Raiders' offense, signaling Las Vegas' plans to make him the centerpiece of their quarterback room. The team reinforced this by signing veteran Kirk Cousins as a mentor for Mendoza. Meanwhile, the Cowboys and Rams are both monitoring the top 10-12 picks, prepared to trade up for elite edge rushers or offensive playmakers if they start to slip. The Cardinals at No. 3 overall remain a wild card, with speculation they could trade down or potentially shake up the early part of the draft by selecting a running back or linebacker.

  • Mendoza has informed league officials he plans to celebrate the moment remotely, opting to be with family in Miami instead of attending the draft in person.
  • NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah reported that Mendoza is already working with Brian Griese to install the Raiders' offense.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The expected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a quarterback from Indiana University who has already begun installing the Raiders' offense.

Kirk Cousins

A veteran quarterback signed by the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, widely seen as a stabilizing presence and mentor for Mendoza.

Klint Kubiak

The head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who has praised Mendoza's intelligence and accuracy, hinting that the team is targeting him to revamp their quarterback room.

David Bailey

A pass rusher from Texas Tech who has been linked to the Dallas Cowboys as a potential trade-up target in the top 10 picks.

Denzel Boston

A wide receiver from the University of Washington who has been linked to the Philadelphia Eagles as a potential first-round pick, signaling the team may be preparing for life after A.J. Brown.

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What they’re saying

“Well look, I've been talking around with people not with the Raiders but with other folks. Fernando Mendoza is working with Brian Griese here right now and it's not so much that they're working on footwork. They're installing the Raiders' offense so he's full speed ahead.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh, with the first round on April 24th. The Raiders' selection of Mendoza with the top pick and any potential trades involving the Cowboys, Rams, or Cardinals will be closely watched as the draft approaches.

The takeaway

The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for several teams looking to reshape their rosters through top-tier talent. Mendoza's decision to skip the draft ceremony, the Cowboys' and Rams' potential trade-up plans, and the Cardinals' strategy at No. 3 overall all have the potential to significantly impact the early part of the draft order and the direction of several franchises.