2026 NFL Draft begins today with Fernando Mendoza as favorite for first pick

The NFL’s Draft officially begins this Thursday (23), in Pittsburgh, bringing together the league’s 32 franchises to select the main talents in college football. The event, which spans three days, will see 244 players choose over seven rounds. The first night of selections focuses on the prospects with the greatest immediate impact and defines the strategic future of the teams for the next season.

Diferente from previous years, technical analysts point out that the class of 2026 features an unusual prominence of defensive players. The central exception to this trend is quarterback Fernando Mendoza, identified as the most solid name in the position and favorite to be the first athlete selected on the stage set up at Pensilvânia. The order of choices follows the inverse criteria of last year’s classification, guaranteeing teams with the worst campaign the opportunity to recruit the best talent available.

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Fernando Mendoza Leads Expectations for First Overall Pick

Indiana’s quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, arrives at Draft as the main offensive name after a historic season on the college scene. The 22-year-old athlete led his team to the title undefeated and won the Troféu Heisman, the category’s top individual prize. At 1.95 m tall, the player is described as a passer with a classic profile, who uses his wingspan to maintain a privileged view of the game inside the pocket.

Mendoza recorded impressive numbers that support its position at the top of professional franchise projections. During Durante’s 19-win campaign, he racked up 3,535 yards thrown and 41 touchdowns, demonstrating keen ball control while only conceding six interceptions. Sua’s ability to execute technically in decisive moments is seen as the differentiator for Las Vegas Raiders, the team that holds the first choice and is looking for a new leader for its attack system.

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Defesa gains prominence with the versatility of Arvell Reese

Enquanto Mendoza dominates the attention on offense, Arvell Reese positions himself as the most intriguing defender in this draft. The Ohio State player, just 20 years old, stands out for his hybrid ability to act as both a linebacker and an edge rusher. Essa tactical flexibility allows defensive coordinators to hide pressure intentions against the opposing quarterback, a determining factor in his projection among the top five selected.

Reese’s trajectory in sport began early, influenced by his family, and resulted in an athlete with an unusual physical explosiveness for his age. Embora experts point out the need for evolution in reading ground plays, his pursuit speed and efficient use of his hands to overcome blocks make him a valuable piece. The 202 meter wingspan is one of the physical attributes that impressed scouts during the preparatory tests carried out in recent weeks.

Texas Tech introduces David Bailey as a pressure specialist

Outro The name that appears among the promises of immediate impact is David Bailey, coming from the university of Texas Tech. The edge rusher is recognized for his aggressiveness in direct combat against offensive lines and for his ease in closing opponents’ running angles. With 114 kg distributed over 1.92 m, Bailey combines physical strength with a refined disengagement technique, being one of the most productive pass rushers of the last university cycle.

• Fernando Mendoza (QB):Precisão in passing and leadership in moments of high competitive pressure.
• Arvell Reese (LB/Edge):Versatilidade to occupy multiple roles in the defensive system.
• David Bailey (Edge):Explosividade and efficiency to take down opposing quarterbacks.
• Transmissão:Evento will have live coverage from 9pm (Brasília time).
• Local:Pittsburgh hosts this year’s selection ceremonies.

Horários and broadcast details for Brazilian audiences

Fans at Brasil will be able to follow the definition of the league’s new stars on different communication platforms. The first round, which defines the fate of the 32 best prospects, will be broadcast free of charge on ge tv and also on the sportv2 channel from 9pm this Thursday. The selection process is detailed and requires each team to manage a strict timer to announce their player, increasing the tension behind the scenes of the event.

The second day of recruitment takes place on Friday (24), focusing on the second and third rounds, starting at 4pm on sportv3. Este period is essential for teams looking for squad depth and players who, although they do not have immediate star status, have long-term development potential. The NFL’s Draft is the league’s primary balancing mechanism, allowing rebuilding teams priority access to talent that has dominated College Football in recent years.