From Fernando Mendoza to Trevor Lawrence: These are other No. 1 picks who didn’t attend the NFL Draft
Fernando Mendoza, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has decided not to attend the draft in person, joining a short list of other top picks who have made similar decisions. The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from April 23-25.
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on April 23 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but the expected No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, will not be attending. Mendoza, from Indiana, has chosen to experience the draft with his family in Miami instead. He is not the first No. 1 pick to skip the draft; others include Trevor Lawrence, Travon Walker, Baker Mayfield, and Myles Garrett. The NFL Draft has historically been a significant event for top prospects, with the league building its broadcast around their selection. However, recent years have seen a shift, with top players increasingly controlling their pre-draft process. The 2026 NFL Draft will start with the Las Vegas Raiders choosing first, and coverage will be available on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network.
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