The Las Vegas Raiders endured a horrible 2025 NFL season, winning just three games, with Geno Smith mostly under center. Nonetheless, their 3-14 record allowed them to clinch the No. 1 pick and have a potential franchise QB.
On April 23, the Raiders made the pick official, selecting former Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mednoza first overall, a move many expected. Mendoza will look to bring his winning ways from Indiana to Las Vegas after winning the Heisman Trophy and the national title during the 2025 college football season.
Last season for the Hoosiers, Mendoza posted an 87.9 overall PFF grade, 30th among 302 qualified quarterbacks. His PFF passing grade of 83.7 ranked 35th at the position.
Moreover, over 336 dropbacks, he threw for 2,758 yards and 32 touchdowns, with five interceptions. He also recorded 16 big-time throws and nine turnover-worthy plays. On the ground, Mendoza added 200 scramble yards and 6 rushing touchdowns.
Tom Brady Already Sent Fernando Mendoza a Message
With Mendoza now in the fold in Las Vegas, the Raiders QB shared a message that the team’s minority owner, Tom Brady, sent him as the former signal-caller looks to play a part in the player’s development.
“[Brady] gave me the message that he’s going to push me and he’s not going to be all lovey-dovey, push me if the Raiders draft me, he is going to be a mentor and wants to pour into whatever quarterback the Raiders have, whether it’s me, whether they draft somebody else,” Mendoza said during an April 22 appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show.”
It’ll be interesting to see how involved Brady is in Mendoza’s development alongside head coach Klint Kubiak. Brady should still be around for Mendoza to learn from before he transitions into his role as FOX Sports’ lead NFL color commentator.
What Fernando Mendoza Will Bring to Raiders
If the Raiders needed any more convincing that Mendoza is the right guy to be the face of their franchise, former Indiana running back Kaelon Black spoke about the quarterback and explained why he’s a special player.
“Man, well, the Raiders are getting the most talented quarterback that’s out there,” Black said during an April 17 appearance on “The Insiders.“ “Fernando is very detailed, one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever been around.
“He’s just so humble and so hungry that he always wants better. You can ask anyone on our team, there’s no one more detailed than him. I feel like he was one of the main reasons why we were able to take that next step. Being on the team with Fernando was just a blessing.”
The Raiders are now hoping that Mendoza can translate these traits to the NFL, as the Silver and Black are desperate for a franchise QB that they can build around. Since the departure of Derek Carr, the Raiders have had players Geno Smith, Gardner Minshew II, Kenny Pickett, and Aidan O’Connell play under center.
As a result, if Mendoza does reach his potential, Las Vegas won’t have to worry about the QB position for the next decade and will have someone to build around.
Raiders Draft Fernando Mendoza: Vegas Has New Franchise QB