NFL Draft 2026: Mendoza Goes First, Trenches Take Center Stage

0:00It's April 23rd. This is California News Today, powered by AI. The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night in Pittsburgh, and the big lock is the Las Vegas Raiders grabbing quarterback Fernando. Mendoza at number one overall, marking the 4th straight year are Cubigos first. Mendoza just wrapped a Heisman winning season, leading Indiana to their first national title ever. Raiders Minority owner Tom Brady, with his seven Super Bowl rings, sees Mendoza as his protege in this full rebuild after short stints from Coach Pete. Carol and QB Geno Smith left a team scrambling for a fresh start. Fans and scouts are buzzing about Notre Dame running back. Jeremiah Love, the top athlete on the board, who might sneak into the top 10 despite the position's drop in value only three backs gone that high since 2018. The New York Giants, with picks at 5 and 10 after trading star Tackle Dexter Lawrence, could grab him for their reset under new coach John Harbaugh.

1:02After Mendoza, quarterbacks dry up fast, shifting focus to the trenches with Ohio State potentially sending four players like Edge R. Vell Reese and safety Caleb Downs into the top 10 plus studs like Miami's Rubin Bane Jr. and Texas Tech's David Bailey. Experts say this class lacks elite stars overall, so expect teams to load up online them in early, setting the tone for a gritty draft night that could. Re-shape rosters across the league.