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Fernando Mendoza headlines the 2026 NFL Draft as the top pick, with the Las Vegas Raiders securing the Indiana quarterback. This decision sets the stage for an intriguing season ahead.
What unfolds here reveals the deeper connections and motivations driving the draft choices.
The Arizona Cardinals make headlines by selecting Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love third overall, marking the highest slot for a running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams grab Alabama QB Ty Simpson at 13, positioning him as the successor to NFL MVP Matthew Stafford.
Simpson’s draft day moment is unforgettable, shared with his former offensive lineman, Kadyn Proctor. When Proctor is picked 12th by the Miami Dolphins, the two embrace in a powerful hug that nearly causes Simpson to miss the Rams' call. His father, Jason Simpson, describes the moment as emotional and exhilarating, reflecting Ty's deep bond with his teammates.
Prior to the draft, Ty made it clear to his father that he would only declare if he was assured a first-round pick. Conversations with NFL GMs, including Rams GM Les Snead, bolstered this confidence, leading Ty to forgo significant NIL opportunities to pursue his NFL dream.
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