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Mendoza Skips Draft to Care for Mom, Raiders Pick No. 1

4/24/2026

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Summary

Mendoza Skips Draft

The NFL asked Peyton Manning to persuade Fernando Mendoza to attend the 2026 Draft, yet Mendoza stayed home to care for his mother with multiple sclerosis.
A camera crew will broadcast Fernando Mendoza’s reaction as he watches the first round, which begins at 8 p.m. ET Thursday, while the Vegas Raiders select him No. 1 overall.
The Denver Broncos will not pick until the second round, holding the 62nd overall selection on Friday.

Summary

Mendoza Stays Backup

The Raiders will keep rookie Michael Mendoza behind veteran Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell.
Minority owner Tom Brady told Mendoza he will push him and act as a mentor.
GM John Spytek said the team will not rush Mendoza into a starter despite holding the No. 1 pick.
If selected, Mendoza would be the 30th quarterback taken first overall since 1967, marking the fourth consecutive year a QB tops the draft.

History

Historical Context

In 1967, the NFL implemented a common draft system, merging the NFL and AFL drafts, which transformed player recruitment. This change allowed teams to select college players, leading to a trend where 29 quarterbacks have been chosen first overall since then. The 2023 draft highlights this evolution, as teams increasingly prioritize securing top quarterback talent to enhance their competitive edge.

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Mendoza Skips Draft

The NFL asked Peyton Manning to persuade Fernando Mendoza to attend the 2026 Draft, yet Mendoza stayed home to care for his mother with multiple sclerosis.
A camera crew will broadcast Fernando Mendoza’s reaction as he watches the first round, which begins at 8 p.m. ET Thursday, while the Vegas Raiders select him No. 1 overall.
The Denver Broncos will not pick until the second round, holding the 62nd overall selection on Friday.

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