Mendoza has opted to share the draft experience with his family in Miami so will not be among the 16 prospects attending the event in Pittsburgh.

Five of those waiting for their name to be called are from the 2024 national champions Ohio State, four of whom are tipped to be among the first 10 picks – pass rusher Arvell Reese, linebacker Sonny Styles, wide receiver Carnell Tate and safety Caleb Downs.

The strongest area in this year’s draft class is the defensive front, with pass rushers David Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr also expected to come off the board early.

Otherwise there is depth at wide receiver, with Makai Lemon and Jordyn Tyson leading options, while Jeremiyah Love is the top-rated running back.

Lee Hunter’s draft stock has risen after the defensive tackle, nicknamed ‘The Fridge’, interviewed well at the Combine.

At 6ft 4in and 318lbs, he is not as imposing as the original ‘Fridge’, 1980s star William Perry, but he has had pre-draft visits with the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers.

Two sets of non-twin brothers could also be selected in the same draft – Lorenzo Styles Jr and Sonny Styles, plus Logan and Spencer Fano.