By: Elliott Robertson 4/29/26
Fernando Mendoza is the first pick of the NFL draft. Our very own Hoosier and Heisman trophy winner. Very exciting news for NFL fans. Although this was to be expected, it is still exciting.
Fernando Mendoza was the first pick in the NFL draft, going to the Raiders, and was a Heisman winner, BIG TEN champion, and national champion. Fernando was an Indiana Hoosier and also went to CAL. But it is now a Las Vegas Raider. The next pick in the draft from the Jets was David Bailey, an EDGE rusher from Texas Tech. who had a phenomenal season, with a season-high of three sacks in one game against Kansas. And nine tackles against Oregon and a team that made it to the Peach Bowl in the playoffs. At the third pick, the Arizona Cardinals picked Jeremiah Love, a running back from Notre Dame who was a Heisman trophy finalist and had 1,372 rushing yards.
The next pick from the Titans was Carnell Tate, a WR from Ohio State. Then the New York Giants picked Arvell Reese, LB from Ohio State. Next would have been the Browns, but they traded their pick to the Chiefs, who picked Mansoor Delane, CB from LSU. Next, the Commanders Selected Sonny Styles, LB from Ohio State. Then the Saints picked Jordyn Tyson, WR from Arizona State. Then it was the Browns who got this pick from their trade with the Chiefs, and they picked Spencer Fano, OT from Utah. Then the New York Giants, who selected Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami.
Then the Cowboys selected Caleb Downs, S, from Ohio State, and the Dolphins picked Kadyn Proctor, OT, from Alabama. After that, the Rams Selected Ty Simpson, QB from Alabama. Then the Ravens selected Olaivavega Ioane, OG from Penn State. After that, the Bucks selected Rueben Bain Jr. EDGE from Miami. Then the Jets selected Kenyon Sadiq TE from Oregon. Next the Lions picked Blake Miller OT from Clemson. Then the Vikings took Caleb Banks DT from Florida. After that the Panthers selected Monroe Freeling OT from Georgia Then the Eagles selected Makai Lemon WR from USC.
The Stealers grabbed Max Iheanachor OT from Arizona State. Next, the Chargers took Akheem Mesidor EDGE from Miami. After that the Cowboys selected Akheem Mesidor EDGE from UCF. Next the Browns Selected KC Concepcion WR Texas A&M. After that the Bears picked Dillon Thieneman S Oregon. Then the Texans picked Keylan Rutledge OG Georgia Tech. After that the Dolphins selected Chris Johnson CB San Diego State. Then the Patriots picked Caleb Lomu OT Utah. After that the Chiefs Selected Peter Woods DT Clemson. Then the New York Jets picked Omar Cooper Jr. WR Indiana. Then the Titans picked Keldric Faulk EDGE Auburn. Then with the Final pick in the First round the Seahawks Selected Jadarian Price RB Notre Dame.
In conclusion, every team got a great addition to the team, and a lot of these teams are looking like they can have a lot of success. With great picks and good steals next season will be a fun season to watch.
Sources: ESPN, Texas Tech