Fernando Mendoza Wins Heisman, Eyes NFL Stardom as Draft Order Begins to Take Shape
Fernando Mendoza just added the Heisman Trophy to his resume, and he didn’t win it by accident. The Indiana quarterback has been electric all season, leading the Hoosiers into the College Football Playoff and putting himself squarely in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The question now: will a team at the top of the board even be looking for a quarterback?
Let’s break this down.
Who’s Really in the Market for a QB at the Top?
As Week 16 of the NFL season unfolds, three teams sit tied with the league’s worst record at 2-12: the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans. But here’s where things get interesting - both the Giants and Titans just spent first-round picks on quarterbacks in 2025. So unless something changes dramatically, they may not be in the market for another signal-caller this soon.
That leaves the Raiders as the most likely QB-needy team among the current bottom three. But even that’s far from a lock. The draft order is still fluid, and with several teams just a game behind, the top pick is still very much up for grabs.
Here’s how the draft order looks right now:
2026 NFL Draft Order (Through Week 16)
- Giants (2-12)
- Raiders (2-12)
- Titans (2-12)
- Browns (3-11)
- Jets (3-11)
- Cardinals (3-11)
- Commanders (4-11)
- Saints (4-10)
- Bengals (4-10)
- Rams (via Falcons) (5-9)
- Dolphins (6-8)
- Chiefs (6-8)
- Vikings (6-8)
- Cowboys (6-7-1)
- Ravens (7-7)
- Panthers (7-7)
- Lions (8-6)
- Jets (via Colts) (8-6)
- Buccaneers (7-7)
- Steelers (8-6)
- Cowboys (via Packers) (9-5-1)
- Texans (9-5)
- Eagles (10-5)
- Bills (10-4)
- Chargers (10-4)
- Browns (via Jaguars) (10-4)
- 49ers (10-4)
Rams (11-4)
29.
Bears (11-4)
30.
Patriots (11-3)
31.
Seahawks (12-3)
32.
Broncos (12-2)
Top Prospects: Defense Stands Tall, But Mendoza Leads the QB Class
This year’s draft class doesn’t have the usual quarterback depth at the top, but that only makes Mendoza’s rise more impressive. He’s not just the best QB prospect in the class - he’s one of the best overall players, period.
Oregon’s Dante Moore is another name to watch at the position, but Mendoza’s Heisman campaign has clearly vaulted him into pole position among quarterbacks. He’s shown poise, accuracy, and leadership in big moments - the kind of traits NFL teams crave, especially when paired with his production.
But don’t sleep on the defenders. Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. has been a menace off the edge, and Ohio State’s Arvell Reese is turning heads with his range and physicality at linebacker.
Both have the kind of upside that could make them worthy of the top pick, especially if a QB-needy team doesn’t land at No. 1.
Here’s a look at the top 10 prospects right now:
Top 10 2026 NFL Draft Prospects
- Rueben Bain Jr. - EDGE, Miami
- Fernando Mendoza - QB, Indiana
- Arvell Reese - LB, Ohio State
- Dante Moore - QB, Oregon
- David Bailey - EDGE, Texas Tech
- Caleb Downs - S, Ohio State
- Cashius Howell - EDGE, Texas A&M
- Kenyon Sadiq - TE, Oregon
- Carnell Tate - WR, Ohio State
- Sonny Styles - LB, Ohio State
Wide Receiver Class Lacks a True Alpha, But Talent Remains
This year’s receiver group doesn’t have that one can’t-miss, top-five name like we’ve seen in recent drafts. But there’s still plenty of talent.
Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson has battled through injuries, but when healthy, he flashes the kind of explosiveness that teams covet. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s Carnell Tate has been steadily rising, showing off crisp route-running and reliable hands in big moments.
Both players are in the mix to be the first wideout off the board, and depending on how they finish the season, either could sneak into the top half of the first round.
What’s Next?
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, the draft order is anything but settled. And while Mendoza’s stock is soaring, the real drama may come down to which team ends up with the No. 1 pick - and whether they’re ready to build around a new franchise quarterback or go all-in on one of the elite defenders.
One thing’s for sure: the 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a fascinating one, with a Heisman winner leading the charge and a handful of defensive stars ready to crash the top of the board. Buckle up.