Fernando Mendoza’s journey from overlooked two-star recruit to the top of the NFL draft is complete after the Las Vegas Raiders took him with the first pick.

Turning the Raiders into a contender is the next challenge for the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to their first national championship.

The 22-year-old quarterback wasn’t in the Steel City for the festivities on Thursday night, choosing instead to celebrate with family and friends at home in Miami.

The 22-year-old quarterback wasn’t in the Steel City for the festivities, choosing instead to celebrate with family and friends at home in Miami.

Mendoza flashed a big smile after Commissioner Roger Goodell announced his name, put a Raiders cap on and began hugging his family while seated on the couch, saving the warmest embrace for his mother.

“The last five months have been such a blessing by God, and I can’t thank Him enough,” Mendoza said.

“I’m just looking forward to get to work, prove it at the next level. College was fantastic. I’m so blessed to have that career, but now I step into a great game, the NFL.

“Look forward to proving and earning it every single day.”

He’ll head to Las Vegas on Friday to begin an NFL career that may have seemed improbable when few colleges were interested in him coming out of high school.

Mendoza wasn’t even a prominent prospect at this time last year, but he had a sensational season with the Hoosiers, completing 72 per cent of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions.

Mendoza’s selection was expected for months. The intrigue began at No.2 with the New York Jets, who selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey over Ohio State edge Arvell Reese.

“It’s surreal to me,” Bailey said. “It’s an awesome opportunity. I just want to get in there and be a sponge and soak up everything.”

Arizona took Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third pick. Love is the highest running back selected since Saquon Barkley went No.2 to the New York Giants in 2018.

Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate was picked fourth by Tennessee in a surprise move that gives QB Cam Ward - last year’s No.1 overall pick - a top target.

The Giants took Reese at No. 5, adding a potential elite rusher less than a week after trading three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati.

Mendoza won’t be rushed into the starting line-up by the Raiders, who haven’t won a playoff game in 24 years. He’ll get a chance to learn from four-time Pro Bowl QB Kirk Cousins and Raiders part-owner Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion who Mendoza grew up idolising.

Mendoza is the fourth straight quarterback selected No.1 overall following Cam Ward, Caleb Williams and Bryce Young.