The NFL Draft stage in Pittsburgh is set, but the likely first overall pick will be watching from a different spotlight. Quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza, widely projected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders, plans to experience the draft from Miami surrounded by family and friends.

This choice places Mendoza in good company, joining recent top picks like Trevor Lawrence (2021) and Travon Walker (2022) who also celebrated their life-changing moment away from the draft theater's green room.

For the Raiders, selecting Mendoza would signal a major investment in their future. The Heisman Trophy winner and national champion from Indiana represents a franchise cornerstone, and the team appears poised to bring him along carefully. The recent signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins suggests a plan for Mendoza to learn from the sideline before potentially taking the reins of the offense.

While Commissioner Roger Goodell will hand out hugs in Pittsburgh on April 23rd, one of the draft's biggest names will be soaking in a more personal celebration, marking the start of his highly anticipated NFL journey.