QB Fernando Mendoza, edge rusher David Bailey, running back Jeremiyah Love go 1-2-3 in the NFL draft

People rehearse ahead of the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)(AP/Gene J. Puskar)

People rehearse ahead of the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)(AP/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Fernando Mendoza’s journey from overlooked two-star recruit to the top of the NFL draft is complete after the Las Vegas Raiders took him with the first pick on Thursday night.