Overview
- Multiple outlets and four NFL executives still peg Indiana’s Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza as the likely No. 1 pick for Las Vegas, bolstered by public praise from Raiders minority owner Tom Brady.
- Jets general manager Darren Mougey acknowledged discussions about swapping the top pick yet called a trade unlikely, even as DraftKings lists New York as the favorite to draft Ty Simpson.
- Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson impressed at the scouting combine, and reporting indicates the Browns have done extensive work on him, with coach Todd Monken publicly expressing longstanding interest.
- Contrarian evaluations gained traction as an anonymous veteran NFL offensive coach told The Athletic he prefers Simpson over Mendoza and analyst Todd McShay said Simpson’s early-season tape graded better.
- Mendoza did not throw at the combine and drew strong endorsements from Indiana teammates for his leadership and accuracy, while new mock drafts for Las Vegas largely turn to defense after an expected quarterback at No. 1.