Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, the worst-kept secret in the league was that the Las Vegas Raiders would bring in Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
The storied franchise has been in desperate need of a young quarterback they can build around with a big upside, and Mendoza fits the bill, so it was no surprise when his name was the first called by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday night in Pittsburgh.
Mendoza will now have the ideal opportunity to learn behind veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, who is a part-owner of the Raiders.
Fernando Mendoza Can’t Wait to Learn From Tom Brady
GettyLas Vegas Raiders part-owner Tom Brady
Now that Mendoza is officially set to wear silver and black to start his NFL career, he’ll have the opportunity to learn from arguably the greatest quarterback in league history, with Tom Brady being a part-owner of the Raiders.
Mendoza is fully aware he’ll have the chance to learn from Brady and seems eager to soak up as much knowledge as he can from a former NFL quarterback who many consider the greatest of all time, via the team’s YouTube channel.
“It means a ton, and I think it’s a huge edge for the football club to be able to have such a source of knowledge, intelligence and experience all in one, especially as an owner,” Mendoza said of Brady. “It’s something very rare that you get. So, I’m looking forward to diving in, getting all the resource I can from him and learning from him, the great coaches, and the other great players we have on the team.”
Along with getting the opportunity to pick Brady’s brain about how to be successful as an NFL quarterback, Mendoza is also looking forward to
“I need to prove my work ethic, and I’ve heard Max Crosby has the best work ethic and it’s second to none, and so I look forward to learning from him and a lot of other leaders and players on the team. However, that underdog mentality is always still there. But it’s having unwavering optimism.”
The University of Indiana product is also embracing the Raiders’ storied history, especially when it comes to Latino quarterbacks like Jim Plunkett and Tom Flores, whom he clearly respects for what they’ve done with the franchise.
“The legacy that the Raiders has here. It’s a cornerstone franchise of the NFL,” Mendoza said. “And just researching all the history. I got to meet Jim Plunkett at the Heisman ceremony. Another Latino QB. Was awesome to connect with him. Look forward to connecting with more of the history. I wore number 15 in college. So, if I get the opportunity to wear number 15 in the Raiders, that would be fantastic. But I don’t know if I’ve earned that yet because of the legendary Tom Flores, who also played quarterback and evidently was just a Raiders icon.”
Although Mendoza has a tall task ahead of him, the young quarterback is content with the challenge ahead in Las Vegas and may win over the fans sooner rather than later with that attitude.
George Pickens a Trade Target for Raiders?
GettyGeorge Pickens #3 of the Dallas Cowboys
Now that the Raiders have addressed the quarterback position by bringing in Mendoza, the team could use a boost at wide receiver, namely bringing in a player who can be the top option in the passing game alongside star tight end Brock Bowers.
One intriguing option is All-Pro wideout George Pickens, who just signed his franchise tag with the Dallas Cowboys and could be traded, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggests.
Pickens would be a massive upgrade to the Raiders’ receiving corps, but it remains to be seen whether they’d be willing to give up what it would take to make a deal with the Cowboys.
Raiders Draft Pick Fernando Mendoza Sends Message on Tom Brady After First Round