Fernando Mendoza's rise from overlooked prospect to first overall pick was complete Thursday night when the Las Vegas Raiders made him the centerpiece of their quarterback future. The Indiana product, who led the Hoosiers to a national championship last season, had been expected at the top of the 2026 draft for months. The real shock came elsewhere.
The Los Angeles Rams turned heads at No 13 by selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, a move most draft analysts had pegged as a second-round outcome. The decision stunned observers who saw the Rams as content with Matthew Stafford, last season's NFL MVP, under center. Stafford just turned 38 in February, however, and the organization is beginning to position itself for transition.
Rams head coach Sean McVay was quick to tamp down any turbulence. "This is Matthew's team," he said, adding that Stafford had been "great" when informed of the Simpson selection. "He's a stud. I mean, he's always first class in every sense of the word."
Simpson, who started just 15 college games, exuded confidence after hearing his name called. "Absolutely, I am confident," he said. "That's why I decided to come. You know with the offensive infrastructure we had in Alabama with other coaches and the offensive system, the weight room, everything was set up to better you for the NFL."
Mendoza skipped the draft festivities in Pittsburgh, choosing instead to celebrate with family in Miami before heading to Las Vegas on Friday. The quarterback's trajectory over five months defied early skepticism. Few colleges showed interest in him coming out of high school, but his college career proved transformative. He completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards, threw 41 touchdowns against just six interceptions, and leaves behind questions he'll now answer in the NFL.
"The last five months have been such a blessing by God, and I can't thank Him enough," Mendoza said. "I'm just looking forward to getting to work, prove it at the next level. College was fantastic. I'm so blessed to have that career, but now I step into a great game, the NFL."
The New York Jets held the second pick and sidestepped the quarterback route, selecting Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey over Ohio State's Arvell Reese. The Jets added offensive weapons with later selections, claiming Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No 16 and trading into the 30th spot for Indiana wideout Omar Cooper Jr, a pick that drew roaring approval from their fans.
Arizona surprised at No 3 by taking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, marking the highest running back selection since Saquon Barkley went No 2 in 2018. Tennessee used the fourth pick on Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate, pairing him with Cam Ward, last year's first overall pick.
The Kansas City Chiefs traded up to No 6, sending Cleveland the ninth pick plus selections at 74 and 148 to land LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Washington chose Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No 7 to bolster a defense that allowed the most yards in the league last season.
New Orleans went with Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson at No 8, giving quarterback Tyler Shough a receiving partner alongside Chris Olave. Utah tackle Spencer Fano became the first offensive lineman off the board at No 9 to Cleveland. The Giants followed with Miami's Francis Mauigoa at No 10.
Dallas moved up one spot to grab Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No 11, sending Miami a pair of fifth-rounders and the 12th pick in return. Miami used that 12th selection on Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor. Baltimore chose Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane at No 14 with a pick it had regained after voiding an earlier trade with Las Vegas.
Tampa Bay selected Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr at No 15, a player many had ranked as a top-10 talent who could transform the Buccaneers' struggling pass rush. "I know I'm the best in the country," Bain said. "I can do anything I put my mind to because of my mindset."
Detroit traded up one spot to grab Clemson tackle Blake Miller at No 17, swapping picks with Minnesota, who chose Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks. Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling, once projected to go much higher, fell to Carolina at No 19.
Philadelphia maneuvered into the 20th spot and selected USC wideout Makai Lemon, sending Dallas the 23rd pick plus two fourth-rounders in exchange for No 20 and a seventh. The move caught Lemon off guard. "Pittsburgh called me and I thought they were going to draft me and then the Eagles called at the same time," he said. "I guess it was meant to be. I'm super excited to be in Philly."
Mendoza becomes the fourth consecutive quarterback selected first overall, following Cam Ward, Caleb Williams, and Bryce Young. It marks the tenth time in twelve years that a quarterback has claimed the top spot. Of those ten players, none have won a Super Bowl, though Jared Goff and Joe Burrow each started one.
Author James Rodriguez: "Mendoza's redemption arc is compelling, but the real draft story is the Rams' aggressive move to plan beyond Stafford, even if McVay won't admit it yet."
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