Who are the players to watch at the NFL Draft?

Who are the players to watch at the NFL Draft?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Fernando Mendoza spent three years at California before transferring to Indiana for 2025ByBen CollinsBBC Sport journalistPublished34 minutes agoCommentsThe NFL Draft is always full of surprises and last year's event provided one of the biggest yet.The initial favourite to be the first overall pick, Shedeur Sanders, was ultimately selected in the fifth round - with the 144th pick.The quarterback's dramatic draft slide sparked a social media storm in the US. Even President Donald Trump was stunned., externalIt would be a huge shock if fellow quarterback Fernando Mendoza is not the first name read out at this year's event, which begins on Thursday (Friday BST).But beyond that, there is sure to be plenty more drama as NFL teams take it in turn to choose the best of this year's young talent.Which team has the first pick?A total of 257 players will be selected over seven rounds, spread over three days.All 32 teams have one pick in each round - unless they have agreed trades - and go in the reverse order of last season's standings, so the team with the worst record gets the first pick and Super Bowl winners Seattle go last.Four teams finished the 2025 season with a 3-14 record - and the Las Vegas Raiders secured the first pick via a strength-of-schedule tie-breaker.Their opponents last season were deemed weaker than those faced by the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans, who have the next three picks respectively.Who will be the first pick?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Jeremiyah Love (left), Fernando Mendoza (second left) and Diego Pavia (second right) were Heisman Trophy finalists in 2025The Raiders need a quarterback and Fernando Mendoza is the standout from this year's prospects having led Indiana to their first national championship and won the Heisman Trophy, which goes to the year's best college player.The 22-year-old...