Miami Dolphins linked to Fernando Mendoza and No. 1 overall pick originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The 2026 NFL Draft is turning into a Fernando Mendoza sweepstakes.
advertise
The Heisman Trophy winner and Indiana University quarterback is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick, but some teams already have a starting quarterback who may be out of the position.
The New York Giants (2-13) currently hold the No. 1 pick, with the Las Vegas Raiders (2-13) at No. 2. The Giants and Raiders will play in Week 17, a game that could determine who will have the No. 1 pick. Of course, if the Raiders get the No. 1 pick, they might be interested in drafting Mendoza as well.
Mock draft project: Dolphins trade first overall pick
But in Pro Football Focus’ latest mock draft released on Monday, the Giants are expected to trade the first overall pick to the Miami Dolphins, who currently own the 10th overall pick. The Giants are committed to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
advertise
Miami is widely expected to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, despite owing him $54 million, and landing the No. 1 pick would require a substantial return. Still, if the Dolphins believe Mendoza is their franchise quarterback, they may be willing to pay the price.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus said on WSVN Fox 7’s Sunday Night Show that he expects Miami to explore trading the quarterback and specifically listed Mendoza as a possible target.
The Dolphins have employed a similar strategy before. In 2020, they offered the Bengals four first-round picks, moving up from No. 5 to No. 1, to draft Joe Burrow instead of choosing between Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
If Miami can’t land the No. 1 pick — or if another quarterback-needy team beats them — the Dolphins could still try to move up and target Oregon State quarterback Dante Moore.