NFL Draft Recap: Local ties headline first round with Mendoza, Love, and Sun Devil standouts
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft delivered star power, storylines, and strong local connections — highlighted by a quarterback taken first overall, a dynamic playmaker heading to the desert, and a pair of Arizona State standouts making history.
At the top of the board, the Las Vegas Raiders made the biggest statement of the night, selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. The Heisman Trophy winner and national champion arrives in Las Vegas as the face of a franchise looking to turn the page. Mendoza’s poise, accuracy, and ability to protect the football made him the clear choice to lead a long-awaited rebuild — and potentially guide the Raiders back into postseason success.
Just two picks later, the Arizona Cardinals added one of the most explosive players in the entire draft. Arizona selected running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 overall, making him the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Love brings elite speed, balance, and big-play ability after a standout career at Notre Dame, where he totaled over 1,600 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns in his final season. For a Cardinals team looking to spark its offense, Love immediately becomes a centerpiece in the backfield.
From there, the spotlight shifted to Tempe, where the Arizona State Sun Devils football made a major impact in the first round — producing multiple selections for the first time in more than 20 years.
Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson was taken 8th overall by the New Orleans Saints, becoming one of the highest-drafted players in program history. Tyson developed into one of the nation’s top receivers, showcasing a rare blend of size, speed, and toughness. His ability to perform in big moments — even while battling injuries — helped elevate his draft stock and positions him as a potential immediate contributor at the next level.
Later in the round, offensive tackle Max Iheanachor continued the Sun Devils’ strong showing, going 21st overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 6-foot-6 lineman saw his stock skyrocket following a dominant final season, where he did not allow a single sack across nearly 500 pass-blocking snaps. His combination of size, athleticism, and rapid development makes him a key addition to a Steelers team focused on strengthening its offensive line.
Rounding out the night with another regional connection, former San Diego State standout Chris Johnson was selected 27th overall by the Miami Dolphins. The Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year made his mark as a true playmaker in the secondary, recording four interceptions — two of which he returned for touchdowns. Johnson is expected to compete for early playing time in Miami’s defense.
From a franchise quarterback at No. 1 to multiple local and regional standouts hearing their names called, the opening night of the NFL Draft showcased both elite talent and the growing impact of players from the Southwest — setting the stage for what could be a defining class in the years ahead.
