Fernando Mendoza, the expected first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will be watching the event from Miami with family and friends. The player won't be attending the draft in Pittsburgh, according to a person familiar with his plans.
Mendoza, who led Indiana to a national championship and won the Heisman Trophy last season, will miss the opportunity to receive congratulations from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other top players.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who are expected to select Mendoza, have signaled they want to ease him into the starting lineup. The team recently signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is participating in offseason workouts.
Mendoza's decision to watch the draft from home hints at a growing trend among elite players to enjoy the event in a private setting rather than a public one.
