Can Fernando Mendoza Live Up to the Hype as the No. 1 Pick? 👀

Can Fernando Mendoza Live Up to the Hype as the No. 1 Pick? 👀

From ESPN College GameDay by ESPN, Rece Davis, Pete Thamel

April 20, 2026 · 56 min

About this episode

Rece Davis and Dan Wetzel discuss the NFL draft, focusing on Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 pick and other potential stars and sleepers.

Rece Davis and Dan Wetzel break down the NFL draft through a college football lens. They dive into the biggest storyline of the year: Can Fernando Mendoza live up to the hype as the No. 1 pick? Plus, the guys spotlight potential stars, sleepers, and steals, predict landing spots for QBs Carson Beck and Taylen Green, and share the college players they’ll miss most on Saturdays. 0:00 - Welcome 0:30 - Unforgettable NFL draft moments 6:07 - Pittsburgh set for 2026 NFL draft 9:42 - Can Fernando Mendoza deliver as the No. 1 pick? 18:12 - Is Las Vegas the right fit for Fernando Mendoza? 23:25 - NFL draft picks: Hits & misses 32:28 - NFL draft stars & steals to watch for 40:02 - Where will QBs Carson Beck & Taylen Green land? 44:28 - College players we’ll miss: Makai Lemon 45:44 - College players we’ll miss: Peter Woods 46:38 - College players we’ll miss: Haynes King 48:20 - College players we’ll miss: Diego Pavia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Rece Davis

Guest: Dan Wetzel

Topics covered

  • NFL draft
  • college football
  • Fernando Mendoza
  • quarterback predictions
  • draft analysis
  • college players

Keywords

  • NFL draft
  • Fernando Mendoza
  • Carson Beck
  • Taylen Green
  • college football
  • draft predictions
  • college players

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NFL

Places: Pittsburgh, Las Vegas

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