He NFL Draft It marked a milestone for American football with a strong Latin presence. From Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, an entire seven Latin players were selected among the 257 picks in the event, led by quarterback Fernando Mendozaprojected as the first overall pick.
They are joined by prospects signed as free agents, elevating the Latin presence to a historic moment prior to the 2026 NFL seasonwhere there are already more than 40 Latin players on active rosters.
Fernando Mendoza, number 1 in the Draft
The great protagonist of NFL Draft was Fernando Mendozaquarterback of Cuban descent, selected as the #1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Mendoza arrives after a historic season in Indiana, where he won the Heisman Trophyhe Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Awardestablishing himself as one of the most dominant figures in college football.
Your numbers in 2025:
- 3,535 yards passing
- 41 passing touchdowns
- Only 6 interceptions
- 7 rushing touchdowns
Before Indiana, he shone in California with more than 3,000 yards in 2024, confirming his evolution as one of the most complete quarterbacks heading to the NFL 2026.
First rounds with Latin impact in the NFL Draft
KC Concepcion, explosive receiver heading to the Browns
Selected by the Cleveland Browns At pick 24, the receiver of Puerto Rican descent stood out at Texas A&M for his speed and ability to generate yards after the catch.
- 919 yards
- 9 touchdowns
- 2 touchdowns on kick returns
- Winner of the Paul Hornung Award
Jacob Rodríguez, defensive star from Texas Tech to the Dolphins
The linebacker with Mexican roots was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the second round.
Your achievements in 2025 include:
- 128 tackles
- 7 forced balls
- 4 interceptions
- Winner of the Butkus Award and Nagurski Trophy
More Latin talent in the NFL Draft
Fernando Carmona established himself as one of the most consistent Latin offensive linemen in the draftbeing selected by the Tennessee Titans. Of Cuban descent, Carmona stood out at the University of Arkansas for his physical strength, refined technique and ability to protect the quarterback in high-pressure situations. Your profile as offensive kind out makes him a valuable piece for the development of the offensive line in the NFL 2026especially for his versatility and experience in the SEC.
Enrique Cruz Jr. was chosen by the San Francisco 49ers as an offensive lineman with great projection in the NFL Draft. With Puerto Rican roots, Cruz Jr. stood out in Kansas for his ability to play multiple positions on the line, which increases his value within modern offensive systems.
Josh Cuevasa tight end of Mexican descent, was selected by the Baltimore Ravens after standing out at Alabama as a reliable receiver in the passing game. His combination of size, sure hands and ability to generate yards after the catch made him an attractive prospect in the draft. Cuevas provides a modern profile of hybrid tight endcapable of contributing both in passing plays and in dynamic offensive schemes.
Gabriel Rubio was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as one of the defensive linemen with the greatest projection in the draft. Of Mexican descent, Rubio made his mark at Notre Dame thanks to his ability to pressure the quarterback, his dominant physique and his tactical discipline. Despite some injuries in his college days, his power on the defensive line and his versatility project him as an interesting piece for the Steelers’ defensive rotation.
Latin free agents who will look for a place in the NFL
In addition to the seven Latinos selected in the Draft, another five signed with clubs as undrafted free agents:
· Joey Aguilar (Jaguars): quarterback with Mexican and Puerto Rican roots, specialist in plays under pressure.
· Trebor Peña (Jaguars): explosive receiver of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent
· Gabriel Plasencia (Bears) – Mexican kicker with great regularity and reliability.
· Taurean York (Broncos) – Mexican linebacker who stands out for his physique, leadership and defensive intelligence.
· Diego Pavia (Ravens) – Spanish-Mexican quarterback, finalist for the 2025 Heisman.
A historic moment for Latino talent in the NFL
The impact of draft reinforces a clear trend: the growth of Latin talent in the NFLboth in offensive and defensive positions.
With figures like Fernando Mendoza leading the new generation, the Latino community continues to gain prominence in professional American football heading towards season 2026.
Keep reading:
– Fernando Mendoza is chosen No. 1 in the Draft by the Raiders and makes history
– Fernando Mendoza’s week after the championship: TV shows and a bobblehead
– A Cuban shines in New York: Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman and speaks in Spanish
