Overview
- The Giants’ 34-17 victory over the Cowboys locked the Raiders into the first overall pick, with strength of schedule breaking the tie among multiple 13-loss teams.
- Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza of Indiana is widely viewed as the presumptive No. 1 target, though he has not formally declared for the draft.
- ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Indiana is set to add TCU quarterback Josh Hoover to start in 2026 if Mendoza departs, reinforcing expectations that Mendoza will turn pro.
- New York finished 4-13 after consecutive wins, sliding from control of the top pick to a projected slot between Nos. 3 and 6 as late Week 18 results settled the order.
- Coverage underscores broader Las Vegas questions, with Geno Smith’s struggles, uncertainty around Pete Carroll’s tenure, and scrutiny of the Maxx Crosby situation shaping offseason decisions.