Fernando Mendoza is set to be one of the top prospects in the league next season. Projected to be the number one pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, the quarterback will not be attending the event. The last major absentee? Trevor Lawrence in 2021.
At that time, the ceremony was held in Cleveland, and Lawrence chose to experience it in a more intimate setting, with his family and close ones in Clemson. The Jaguars were ultimately the team that selected him.
Mendoza seems to be taking the same path as his counterpart. He decided to enjoy this moment in Miami, as reported by journalist Adam Schefter, instead of traveling to Pittsburgh.
Other major absences in the Draft
While many top prospects enjoy the spotlight on stage, several elite quarterbacks have notably skipped the NFL Draft ceremony. Andrew Luck declined his 2012 invitation to focus on his final exams at Stanford.
Trevor Lawrence poses after being selected with the first overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Additionally, Joe Burrow received the news of his first-overall selection from his childhood home in Ohio, due to the pandemic.
When and where will the Draft be?
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 23 to April 25 in Pittsburgh. The city is preparing to host the event across the North Shore and Point State Park, marking the first time the Steel City has welcomed the league’s premier offseason event. With the draft less than three weeks away, fans are eager to see where the next generation of stars will land.
First 10 picks
- 1 – Las Vegas Raiders
- 2 – New York Jets
- 3 – Arizona Cardinals
- 4 – Tennessee Titans
- 5 – New York Giants
- 6 – Cleveland Browns
- 7 – Washington Commanders
- 8 – New Orleans Saints
- 9 – Kansas City Chiefs
- 10 – Cincinnati Bengals
