Jan. 23, 2026, 11:23 p.m. MT<\/p>\n
It was an announcement everyone expected. Indiana<\/a> quarterback Fernando Mendoza announced that he will enter the 2026 NFL draft.<\/p>\n He made the announcement via Instagram.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Mendoza just led Indiana to national championship. He is the clear-cut top quarterback in this draft class and is expected, as of right now, to be the first overall pick in the draft.<\/p>\n The Las Vegas Raiders<\/a> have the first pick and need a quarterback.<\/p>\n What does this mean for the Cardinals<\/a>?<\/p>\n Unfortunately, it doesn’t mean much. While their quarterback situation is uncertain, they have the third pick and that is too far back to get Mendoza, and Las Vegas is unlikely to trade back when they need a quarterback.<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n Because quarterbacks are the most common position to be drafted first overall, it doesn’t really push down any extra talent to the Cardinals. In any case, they will be able to get either the best or second-best non-quarterback in the draft if they stay put and don’t trade back.<\/p>\n Now, Mendoza’s announcement might not impact the Cardinals much, but it does likely make the first overall pick not very exciting. It’s going to be him, and the intrigue can begin with the New York Jets with the second overall selection.<\/p>\n Get more Cardinals<\/a> and NFL coverage from Cards<\/a> Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify<\/a>,\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Apple podcasts<\/a>.<\/p>\n