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Heisman finalist Pavia goes undrafted in NFL draft

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Key Points
  • Diego Pavia went undrafted, first Heisman finalist since 2014 to do so.
  • Fernando Mendoza drafted first overall by Raiders.
  • International players Seydou Traore and Uar Bernard drafted, breaking new ground.

The 2026 NFL Draft was held in Pittsburgh. Fernando Mendoza was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick.

Jeremiyah Love was selected No. 3 by the Arizona Cardinals, who admitted a wrong phone number delayed the pick. Kenyon Sadiq was picked 16th by the New York Jets; Sadiq told the team he thought it was a prank call.

This isn't just another name on a card, this is living proof that the dream is possible.

Efe Obada, British defensive end

The Pittsburgh Steelers called USC receiver Makai Lemon at No. 21 but discovered the Philadelphia Eagles had traded up to take him at No. 20, forcing the Steelers to pivot.

International players broke new ground. Seydou Traore was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 180th overall pick, becoming the first graduate of the UK-based NFL Academy to be drafted. Uar Bernard was selected 251st overall by the Philadelphia Eagles; Bernard is a Nigerian who has never played a game of American football.

I'd love to have 10 minutes, but, hey, it's the same for everybody else, so eight minutes, it is what is.

Omar Khan, Pittsburgh Steelers general manager

' The NFL trimmed the time between first-round picks from 10 to 8 minutes, a change that Steelers general manager Omar Khan said he would love to have 10 minutes, but eight minutes is what it is.

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Heisman finalist Pavia goes undrafted in NFL draft | Reed News