DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- The three-day NFL draft started Thursday in Pittsburgh. The Las Vegas Raiders, as expected, took quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who led Indiana to a national championship and won the Heisman Trophy, with the No. 1 overall pick. The Raiders signed quarterback Kirk Cousins in the offseason to serve as a mentor should they select Mendoza, which they did.
Former NC State wide receiver KC Concepcion, who finished his college career at Texas A&M, was taken in the first round by the Cleveland Browns. Concepcion is from Charlotte and played at Julius Chambers High School.
The second and third rounds are on Friday, beginning at 7 p.m. on ABC11.
The fourth through seventh rounds will take place Saturday, starting at noon.
All rounds will also be shown on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Deportes.
Check here for live updates throughout the draft
Another Blue Devil is headed to the next level!
In the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Duke offensive lineman Brian Parker II was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Parker II was the 189th overall pick in the draft, and the eighth selection in the sixth round.
Duke cornerback Chandler Rivers was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round.
Pick No. 152: The Broncos are adding to their offense, selecting NC State tight end Justin Joly.
Denver traded up to make the pick, acquiring No. 152 from the Browns in exchange for 2026 fifthround (No. 170) and sixthround (No. 182) selections.
Joly was a two-year starter for the Wolfpack and led NC State in 2025 with 49 receptions and seven touchdown catches, earning first-team All-ACC honors. The 6-foot-3, 241-pound tight end began his college career at UConn, where he appeared in 24 games with 10 starts over two seasons.
Pick No. 151: The Panthers have selected Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley.
Carolina moved up to make the pick, trading its No. 158 and No. 200 selections to Miami in exchange for No. 151 and a seventh-round pick (No. 227).
Wheatley stands 6-foot-3, 203 pounds and was a two-year starter for the Nittany Lions, finishing his college career with six interceptions.
