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Raiders Select Heisman QB Mendoza First Overall

4/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders chose Fernando Mendoza first overall, their No. 1 quarterback pick since 2007.
Mendoza watched the draft from Miami to stay near his mother with sclerosis.
He led Indiana to a 16-0 season, earning its first national championship and Big Ten title since 1967.
He earned Heisman Trophy, AP Player of the Year and Davey O’Brien awards.
He will join Raiders quarterback room with Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell.

History

Historical Context

In April 2007 the Oakland Raiders used the first overall pick of the NFL Draft—held at Radio City Music Hall and overseen by new commissioner Roger Goodell—to select LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell. The draft featured 255 selections, and Russell’s later failure became one of the league’s most cited busts, reinforcing the Raiders’ later pattern of high-risk quarterback choices.

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Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders chose Fernando Mendoza first overall, their No. 1 quarterback pick since 2007.
Mendoza watched the draft from Miami to stay near his mother with sclerosis.
He led Indiana to a 16-0 season, earning its first national championship and Big Ten title since 1967.
He earned Heisman Trophy, AP Player of the Year and Davey O’Brien awards.
He will join Raiders quarterback room with Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell.

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