Overview
- Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the heavy favorite at No. 1, informed the NFL on Tuesday that he will watch Round 1 from Miami with his family, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
- Las Vegas is widely expected to select Mendoza first, and the Raiders’ signing of veteran Kirk Cousins gives them a bridge option if they want the rookie to develop before starting.
- Analysts split on the Jets’ plan at No. 2, with Peter Schrager and Daniel Jeremiah pointing to Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey, while betting markets and several recent mocks still lean to Ohio State’s Arvell Reese.
- Most current projections list Mendoza as the only quarterback likely to go in Round 1, and opinions on Alabama’s Ty Simpson remain divided after some mocks dropped him out of the first round.
- Draft boards continue to shift after workouts, with Notre Dame receiver Malachi Fields sliding following a 4.61-second 40-yard dash and no pro-day run, and Clemson corner Avieon Terrell facing uncertainty after hamstring setbacks, as teams also weigh possible trade-ups on draft night.