Why is Fernando Mendoza skipping the NFL Draft?

Fernando Mendoza, the projected No. 1 pick, has decided not to attend the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, following a trend of declining in-person attendance among top prospects.

Which team is expected to pick Fernando Mendoza?

All signs point to the Las Vegas Raiders selecting Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

When is the 2026 NFL Draft?

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled from April 23rd to April 25th, with Round 1 on April 23rd.

Home / Sports / Top QB Prospect Skips NFL Draft Green Room

Top QB Prospect Skips NFL Draft Green Room

7 Apr

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Summary

Projected top pick Fernando Mendoza will not attend the NFL Draft.
Draft attendance has declined since 2020, averaging 16 players.
Mendoza is expected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Top QB Prospect Skips NFL Draft Green Room

Projected top NFL Draft pick Fernando Mendoza will not attend the upcoming draft event in Pittsburgh. This decision aligns with a recent trend where fewer prospects choose to participate in person. Since 2020, the average number of players attending the draft's green room has fallen to 16, a decrease from the previous decade's average of 24.

The Las Vegas Raiders are heavily favored to select Mendoza with the first overall pick. The team's general manager and coach met with the quarterback recently, signaling strong interest. Should Mendoza be drafted first overall and not attend, he would join a short list of top picks who have opted out of the in-person ceremony, similar to Travon Walker in 2022 and Trevor Lawrence in 2021.