Fernando Mendoza and other Latinos to watch in the NFL Draft

The first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft belongs to the Las Vegas Raiders after finishing last season with a 3-14 record. The event will take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the opening round set for April 23, rounds two and three on April 24, and rounds four through seven wrapping up on April 25.

The top selection is widely expected to be a quarterback, and Fernando Mendoza has emerged as the standout name. Known for his athleticism, arm strength and natural leadership, he led Indiana University to a national championship and became one of the season’s breakout stars. His rise has also made him the most prominent Hispanic face in this year’s draft.

But he is far from alone. A growing group of Latino prospects is chasing its chance to reach the NFL. Here is a look at some of the names to watch in the 2026 class.

Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana

With Cuban roots, Mendoza headlines this year’s draft class. He was college football’s top player, earning the Heisman Trophy after throwing for 3,150 yards and 41 touchdowns last season, with just six interceptions.

KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M

KC Concepcion is among the most intriguing wide receiver prospects, combining production with upside. The 20-year-old, who has Puerto Rican heritage, posted 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns with Texas A&M. He is projected as a first- or second-round pick, with the New York Giants mentioned as a possible landing spot.

Jacob Rodríguez | LB | Texas Tech

The 22-year-old linebacker, of Mexican descent, anchored Texas Tech’s defense. He recorded 128 total tackles, one sack and forced seven fumbles, recovering two. He is expected to be selected in the second round.

Josh Cuevas | TE | Alabama

Born in Los Angeles and of Mexican ancestry, Cuevas totaled 37 receptions for 411 yards and four touchdowns with Alabama. He is projected as a fifth-round pick, with the Dallas Cowboys seen as a potential destination.

Taurean York | LB | Texas A&M

The Texas A&M defender, also of Mexican roots, posted 72 total tackles and one sack, but will need to improve his work shedding blocks at the next level.

Diego Pavia | QB | Vanderbilt

At 24, Pavia — who has Spanish and Mexican heritage — was a cornerstone for Vanderbilt. He threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns with just eight interceptions, finishing second in Heisman voting. Scouts have flagged his height (5-foot-10 1/8, 1.78 meters) as a concern, though his accuracy and mobility under pressure stand out, as does his role in reshaping the program’s mindset.

Enrique Cruz Jr | OL | Kansas

The 22-year-old Kansas lineman allowed just one sack all season while protecting the blind side. Of Puerto Rican descent, he is also active in mentoring young athletes in his hometown of Chicago. He is projected as a fifth-round pick.

Fernando Carmona Jr | OL | Arkansas

The 22-year-old, who has Cuban ancestry, impressed in pass protection for Arkansas in the demanding SEC, posting a pass-blocking grade above 90 percent. He is rumored to be a fifth-round option for the New England Patriots (pick No. 191).

Joey Aguilar | QB | Tennessee

With Mexican and Puerto Rican roots, Aguilar showed NFL potential after throwing for 3,565 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He is expected to be selected in the sixth or seventh round.

Jesus Gomez | K | Arizona State

Jesús Gómez represents a rare specialist presence among the group, bringing reliability as a kicker. The Arizona State product, born in Puebla, converted 73.3 percent of his field goal attempts (22 of 30), with a long of 54 yards.

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