by [Matthew Seeman](https://news3lv.com/station/people/matthew-seeman)
Tue, April 7, 2026 at 11:16 AM
Updated Tue, April 7, 2026 at 9:22 PM
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Projected first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza is not planning to attend this month's NFL Draft in person, **[ESPN reported Tuesday](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48421461/sources-fernando-mendoza-not-planning-attend-nfl-draft)**.
Mendoza will stay with his family in Miami, where he grew up, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh.
The Las Vegas Raiders hold the first pick and are widely expected to draft Mendoza, who is reportedly scheduled to meet with the team on Tuesday.
Other first-overall picks have opted not to attend in person, including Travon Walker when the NFL Draft was in Las Vegas in 2022.
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