The Las Vegas Raiders are nearing a decision on whether to select former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner also shared what he expects if Las Vegas drafts him.
Whether the signal-caller starts in Week 1 remains to be seen. Still, Raiders minority owner Tom Brady sent a strong message to Mendoza about how he plans to help the young quarterback reach his potential if he joins the organization.
“[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 will be interesting to see if Brady is fully involved in Mendoza’s development alongside head coach Klint Kubiak. Brady will probably be around for Mendoza to pick his brain until the Raiders’ minority owner switches hats and becomes the lead NFL color commentator for FOX Sports.
Las Vegas Gets Strong Message on Fernando Mendoza
If the Raiders need 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.”
Last season for Indiana, Mendoza posted an 87.9 overall PFF grade, 30th among 302 qualified quarterbacks. Moreover, he registered a PFF passing grade of 83.7, ranked 35th at the position.
Through 336 dropbacks, he threw for 2,758 yards and 32 touchdowns against five interceptions. He recorded 16 big-time throws and nine turnover-worthy plays.
Chad Johnson Shares Thoughts on QB Situation
Nonetheless, the Raiders have Kirk Cousins ready to go after signing the veteran this offseason, and don’t need to rush any young QB, whether it’s Mendoza or another player. Despite the Raiders not yet deciding on Mendoza, former NFL player Chad Johnson shared his thoughts on the looming Raiders situation.
“They’re going to pick Fernando Mendoza if you understand the game and understand that they are in need of a quarterback despite getting Kirk Cousins via trade, whatever it may have been, “ Johnson told Vegas Sports Today on April 16. “Obviously, Kirk Cousins is probably going to be the starter.
“I would think it would be smart for the development of Fernando Mendoza instead of just throwing him out there to the wolves. There are so many pieces that the Raiders need to be a competent team, especially offensively. Heck, even defensively, just getting the right pieces in order so he can have success.”
Raiders Get Blunt Message Tied to Tom Brady, Fernando Mendoza