Fernando Mendoza is one of the top prospects generating buzz ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the latest reports indicate that the Indiana quarterback will not attend the draft in Pittsburgh.
Fernando Mendoza Will Not Be in Pittsburgh During the 2026 NFL Draft
According to Adam Schefter, Mendoza has decided to watch the NFL Draft privately with his family and friends in Miami. As a result, although he is a likely first overall pick, he will not attend the highly anticipated ceremony in person, which may leave Raiders fans disappointed.
While there is great prestige in being in the ‘Green Room’ and potentially being the first pick in the Draft, all signs suggest Mendoza prefers a more private experience.
He chose to watch the event surrounded by family and teammates, people with whom he celebrated an undefeated college football championship last season.
Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza has informed the NFL that he is not planning to attend the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh this month, per sources. Mendoza wants to share the draft experience with his family in Miami. pic.twitter.com/ApUc7UmIDX
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 7, 2026
The “Green Room” is where invited players wait with their families to be called by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. However, for many players, not being selected as early as expected can create uncomfortable moments in front of the cameras.
According to Schefter, Mendoza will be the first potential first-overall-pick quarterback to skip attending the draft in person since Trevor Lawrence in 2021.
While Mendoza is unlikely to face such a situation, another factor influenced his decision: the NFL’s invitation restrictions make it difficult for the quarterback to bring teammates to the Draft ceremony.
Raiders Will Have High Expectations for Mendoza
Mendoza became the “face” of the Indiana Hoosiers’ historic season, and the quarterback has skyrocketed in draft projections. His physical stature, tactical intelligence, and statistical improvement (as cited in the most recent PFSN’s Mock Draft) have all contributed.
During his final college season, Mendoza demonstrated his ability to process defensive reads quickly and execute precise passes under pressure, a fit for the league’s modern QB model.
The Raiders, who finished last season as the second-worst offense in the league according to PFSN Offense Impact Metric, will certainly be thrilled to select Mendoza in the 2026 NFL Draft, finally bringing to a close a long search for a solid quarterback after betting on young players and veterans who haven’t delivered in recent years.
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If the predictions hold true, Mendoza will be the missing piece needed to maximize the talent of playmakers like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers.
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23 to 25 on the North Shore, directly outside Acrisure Stadium.
