ESPN's 'The Pick Is In' Documentary to Offer All-Access Look at Raiders, Browns, Cowboys Draft Rooms

Key facts

• Documentary 'The Pick Is In' premieres on ESPN on May 3 at 7pm ET.
• Featured teams: Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys.
• Raiders have a new head coach and a GM in full control of the draft room for the first time.
• Eight top prospects documented: Fernando Mendoza (QB, Raiders, Pick 1), Jeremiyah Love (RB, Cardinals, Pick 3), Arvell Reese (LB, Giants, Pick 5), Mansoor Delane (CB, Chiefs, Pick 6), Spencer Fano (OT, Browns, Pick 9), Caleb Downs (S, Cowboys, Pick 12), Malachi Lawrence (EDGE, Cowboys, Pick 23), KC Concepcion (WR, Browns, Pick 24).
• Coverage includes all seven rounds, not just first-round picks.
• Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick.

Inside the War Room: A New Era for the Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a new head coach and a general manager who, for the first time, holds full authority over the draft room. ESPN's upcoming documentary 'The Pick Is In' captures this pivotal moment, offering an unprecedented look at how the franchise navigated its selections. The Raiders, who held the first overall pick, selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The documentary follows Mendoza's journey as a top prospect, alongside seven other players chosen in the early rounds. For the Raiders, the film promises to reveal the internal dynamics of a rebuilt front office.

Three Teams, Seven Rounds, Unfiltered Access

ESPN embedded with the Raiders, Cleveland Browns, and Dallas Cowboys throughout the entire draft process, not just the first round. The documentary covers all seven rounds, providing a comprehensive view of each team's strategy and decision-making. The Browns, picking at No. 9 and No. 24, selected offensive tackle Spencer Fano and wide receiver KC Concepcion. The Cowboys, with picks at No. 12 and No. 23, chose safety Caleb Downs and edge rusher Malachi Lawrence. The documentary also follows prospects selected by other teams: running back Jeremiyah Love (Cardinals, Pick 3), linebacker Arvell Reese (Giants, Pick 5), and cornerback Mansoor Delane (Chiefs, Pick 6).

The Prospects: From Draft Boards to NFL Jerseys

Eight top prospects were documented as they experienced the draft from the green room and beyond. Fernando Mendoza, the first overall pick, anchors the Raiders' future. Jeremiyah Love, drafted third by the Cardinals, and Arvell Reese, taken fifth by the Giants, represent the next generation of talent. Mansoor Delane (Chiefs, Pick 6), Spencer Fano (Browns, Pick 9), Caleb Downs (Cowboys, Pick 12), Malachi Lawrence (Cowboys, Pick 23), and KC Concepcion (Browns, Pick 24) round out the featured group. Their stories, intertwined with the teams' strategies, form the narrative backbone of the documentary.

Airing May 3: What Viewers Can Expect

'The Pick Is In' premieres Sunday, May 3 at 7pm ET (4pm Pacific) on ESPN. The documentary aims to demystify the draft process by showing the tension, negotiations, and human moments inside the war rooms. For the Raiders, the film arrives at a moment of transition. The new head coach and empowered GM are under scrutiny, and the documentary offers a rare chance to see how they operate under pressure. The Browns and Cowboys, both perennial contenders, provide contrasting organizational cultures.

Beyond the First Round: A Deeper Look at Draft Dynamics

Unlike typical draft coverage that focuses on early picks, 'The Pick Is In' follows each team through all seven rounds. This approach highlights the importance of later selections and the cumulative effect of a full draft class. The documentary also captures the prospects' reactions as they are picked, their families' emotions, and the behind-the-scenes logistics of draft day. For fans, it offers a rare, unfiltered view of how NFL teams build their rosters.

What This Means for the Teams and the League

The documentary could reshape public perception of the Raiders' new leadership. For the Browns and Cowboys, it provides a platform to showcase their draft philosophies. The inclusion of multiple teams and prospects underscores the collaborative yet competitive nature of the draft. As the NFL continues to expand its media footprint, 'The Pick Is In' represents a new wave of sports documentary filmmaking — one that prioritizes access and narrative depth over highlight reels.

The bottom line

• ESPN's 'The Pick Is In' premieres May 3, featuring the Raiders, Browns, and Cowboys across all seven draft rounds.
• The Raiders, with a new head coach and GM, selected QB Fernando Mendoza first overall.
• Eight top prospects are documented, including Mendoza, Love, Reese, Delane, Fano, Downs, Lawrence, and Concepcion.
• The documentary offers an all-access look at draft room operations and prospect experiences.
• Coverage extends beyond the first round, providing a comprehensive view of each team's draft strategy.