Heisman Winner Fernando Mendoza Set to Go First Overall in NFL Draft

Historic Draft Returns to Pittsburgh

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night in Pittsburgh, marking the first time the Steel City has hosted the event since 1947 . Cuban-American quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who led Indiana to the college football national championship, is widely expected to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders . If selected, Mendoza would follow in the footsteps of Mexican-American quarterback Jim Plunkett, the first Hispanic player taken with the first overall pick when New England selected him in 1971, with Plunkett later leading the Raiders to Super Bowl victories in 1981 and 1984 .

Mendoza will not attend the draft, choosing instead to watch from his Miami home with family, particularly for his mother who has multiple sclerosis, saying "I believe the best thing to do is spend it with the people who have made me who I am" . The Heisman Trophy winner gives the Raiders a tough-minded, high-IQ quarterback to eventually take over as the face of the franchise .

Raiders' Quarterback Strategy

The Raiders have veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and a backup, allowing Mendoza to develop slowly without being rushed into a starting role, with team officials noting "ideally you don't want a rookie quarterback to start from day one" . However, if Mendoza proves ready for the spotlight, he wouldn't remain an understudy for long, as "ultimately this is a meritocracy and the best guy will play" .

Mendoza has ambitious goals for his rookie season, stating "my goal is to be the best quarterback come September" and wanting to be "comfortable under center, staying in cadence and calling a play in the huddle" from day one . The Raiders desperately need quarterback stability after going 3-14 last season and missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year .

Steelers Face Uncertainty with Record Draft Capital

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the draft with 12 total picks, the most of any NFL team, including the No. 21 overall selection . However, the team remains in limbo as they await a decision from 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers on whether he'll return for a 22nd season, with no timeline or deadline established for his choice .

General manager Omar Khan had stockpiled these picks anticipating the need for a franchise quarterback, knowing the 2025 class was weak and expecting the 2026 class to be generational . Former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch doesn't believe Pittsburgh will use all 12 picks on rookies, suggesting they were "stockpiling those picks to be in anticipation of being in position to move up" .

Draft Dynamics and Future Impact

This draft differs significantly from 2024 when six quarterbacks were selected in the first 12 picks, as there's nowhere near that level of talent in the 2026 quarterback class . Alabama's Ty Simpson is favored to be the second quarterback selected, but concerns exist about his limited college experience with only 15 career starts .

The draft represents a pivotal moment for multiple franchises seeking stability at the most important position in football. While the Raiders appear set on their franchise quarterback of the future, teams like Pittsburgh face difficult decisions that could shape their trajectory for years to come. The three-day event concludes Saturday with the Denver Broncos making the final selection, traditionally dubbed "Mr. Irrelevant."