Overview
- Las Vegas holds the top pick and is widely expected to draft a quarterback, with Indiana’s Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza leading projections.
- Mendoza is the betting favorite to go first overall at -390 on FanDuel, while Oregon quarterback Dante Moore remains a potential challenger if he declares.
- Brady Quinn said he would choose Moore over Mendoza, pointing to Moore’s arm strength, layered throws and perceived upside, and cautioning against a foregone conclusion.
- Analysts view a trade down as unlikely given escalating prices for the No. 1 pick, though potential suitors mentioned include the Jets, Cardinals, Browns, Dolphins and Rams.
- Geno Smith’s contract runs through 2026 at $75 million, and cutting him this year would incur an $18.5 million dead-cap hit, adding complexity after Pete Carroll’s firing.