Sports News

Raiders take Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza first overall at the NFL draft in Pittsburgh

The Las Vegas Raiders picked quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall at the NFL draft in Pittsburgh on Thursday, 23 April. The AP report carried by KTTC said the Heisman Trophy winner had led Indiana to its first national championship. The New York Jets took Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey second, and Arizona took Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love third, the highest running back pick since Saquon Barkley in 2018.

Mendoza was not in Pittsburgh. WLRN reported that he watched with family and friends in the Miami area, partly so that his mother, who has multiple sclerosis, would not have to travel. The Raiders have not won a playoff game since the 2002 season, and they have also signed Kirk Cousins, who is likely to start the season.

“I believe I'm still the underdog.” — Fernando Mendoza, via WLRN

DAZN listed his numbers: 3,535 passing yards, a program-record 41 touchdowns and a 16-0 season ending in a title-game win over Miami. It quoted head coach Klint Kubiak saying that ideally Mendoza would not start from day one. Minority owner Tom Brady will act as a mentor. In Pittsburgh, KTTC said, commissioner Roger Goodell was booed and claimed more than 300,000 people had come.

How each outlet framed it

• KTTC (AP) — the night itself: the top three picks, surprises and a loud Pittsburgh crowd.
• WLRN — Miami's public radio: a local player, his family and the Raiders' long playoff drought.
• DAZN — the football plan: stats, the supporting cast and why he may sit behind Cousins.

What happened next: The Rams surprised many by taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at No 13, AP reported.