2026 NFL draft top 5 picks explained as Mendoza goes No. 1 with Raiders

The first NFL draft turned out to be a dazzling, star-studded night with over 300,000 fans gathered on the inaugural day for the game that America loves.

The moment the clock started ticking, it didn’t take long for the shockers to arrive at Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium, the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It was hardly anybody’s guess that Fernando Mendoza would be picked as No. 1 pick by the Raiders, with David Bailey going No. 2 to the Jets.

The Cardinals then rocked the round by taking Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 pick.

The Tennessee picked the Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 4 in a surprise move that would give last year’s No. 1 pick, quarterback Cam Ward, a premier weapon.

The Giants took Reese at No. 5, acquiring a potential elite rusher under a week after trading three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati.

However, the story of the night was the No. 1 pick Mendoza, and every NFL fan is buzzing about him.

The 22-year-old Mendoza wasn’t present in Pittsburgh for the celebrations; instead, he opted to stay at home and celebrate with family and friends in Miami.

Now, he is set to debut his NFL career this Friday, April 24, as he heads to Las Vegas.

After the surprise pick, Mendoza said, "The last five months have been such a blessing by God, and I can’t thank Him enough.”

Looking ahead to the NFL, he added, “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. Look forward.”

For the unversed, Mendoza wasn’t even nearer to the No. 1 pick at this time last year.

But he had an amazing season with the Hoosiers, posting 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns with a 72% completion rate and just six interceptions.

In league history, it is the 10th time in last twelve years that a QB has been the first pick.

Mendoza is the fourth straight quarterback selected No. 1 overall following Cam Ward, Caleb Williams, and Bryce Young.