NFL Draft: Mendoza Skips Stage, Mesidor in Sights

0:00It's April 23rd, I'm Corey with the story, and this is Canada News today, your AI-powered local news. The NFL draft is underway in Pittsburgh, with 257 players set to hear their names called over the next three days. It all kicks off Thursday night inside a theater near Acrojure Stadium, where the Las Vegas Raiders hold the number one pick. Consensus has Indiana's Heisman winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, going first, after leading his team to their first national title. Mendoza's skipping the on-stage hug with Commissioner Roger Gadell to celebrate privately with family in Miami. His mom's battling multiple sclerosis, making travel tough, so he's prioritizing her health and shared memories with his support circle before jetting, off to his new team. He's not alone. He's the fifth number one pick in the last nine in-person drafts to pass on McGlitz, joining guys like Trayvon Walker and Trevor. Lawrence who chose family bives instead. Number two, to the New York Jets is wide open between top-edge rushers, Arville Reese

1:04from Ohio State and David Bailey from Texas Tech, though A. Curve Ball isn't out of the question, Alabama's Ty Simpson could be the next quarterback off the board, possibly sliding to Round 2 Friday, Canadian fans take note. Ottawa's Akeem Mesodore, Miami's standout defensive lineman with 10.5 sacks last year, projects around pick 12. As the board fills up, expect plenty of dreams realized and surprises in the steel city.