Las Vegas Raiders' Odds of Landing Top Pick Rise with Mendoza's NFL Debut
Fernando Mendoza, the University of Indiana quarterback who led his team to a national championship and won the Heisman Trophy last season, has announced that he is leaving college football and declaring for the 2026 NFL draft. The move could be a game-changer for the Raiders, who hold the top pick in the upcoming draft.
Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, a well-known quarterback himself, reportedly grew fond of Mendoza during his team's national championship game appearance, which ended with a gritty performance by the young gunslinger that helped secure victory. With Mendoza in their sights, the Raiders now have an even more compelling reason to select him as their franchise quarterback.
As the team navigates significant roster turnover following the firing of head coach Pete Carroll, identifying a capable signal-caller has become a pressing priority. Mendoza's impressive statistics - 72% completion rate with 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions - have raised expectations that he could be a strong contender for the top pick.
Mark Davis, Raiders owner, John Spytek, general manager, and Tom Brady are all said to be enamored with Mendoza's potential. His impressive college performance has generated excitement among NFL scouts and pundits alike, who now await the prospect of witnessing him compete at the highest level in a professional setting.
While uncertainty still surrounds the team's head coaching vacancy, the emergence of Mendoza as a key player adds another layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes offseason. The Raiders' pursuit of their next franchise quarterback has reached a critical juncture, and it remains to be seen if they will successfully capitalize on this prospect in time for the 2026 NFL draft.
Fernando Mendoza, the University of Indiana quarterback who led his team to a national championship and won the Heisman Trophy last season, has announced that he is leaving college football and declaring for the 2026 NFL draft. The move could be a game-changer for the Raiders, who hold the top pick in the upcoming draft.
Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, a well-known quarterback himself, reportedly grew fond of Mendoza during his team's national championship game appearance, which ended with a gritty performance by the young gunslinger that helped secure victory. With Mendoza in their sights, the Raiders now have an even more compelling reason to select him as their franchise quarterback.
As the team navigates significant roster turnover following the firing of head coach Pete Carroll, identifying a capable signal-caller has become a pressing priority. Mendoza's impressive statistics - 72% completion rate with 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions - have raised expectations that he could be a strong contender for the top pick.
Mark Davis, Raiders owner, John Spytek, general manager, and Tom Brady are all said to be enamored with Mendoza's potential. His impressive college performance has generated excitement among NFL scouts and pundits alike, who now await the prospect of witnessing him compete at the highest level in a professional setting.
While uncertainty still surrounds the team's head coaching vacancy, the emergence of Mendoza as a key player adds another layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes offseason. The Raiders' pursuit of their next franchise quarterback has reached a critical juncture, and it remains to be seen if they will successfully capitalize on this prospect in time for the 2026 NFL draft.
. I mean, who wouldn't want Fernando Mendoza under center? The kid's got game, and his stats are straight fire 
. It's awesome to see the Raiders sniffing around him like they're on a treasure hunt 
. With Tom Brady as a minority owner, you know they're gonna go all out for this guy 
. My concern is that Pete Carroll might not be the best coach to lead them to the promised land... just saying 
. Can't wait to see how it all unfolds! 
. Mendoza's stats are impressive and all, but what about his maturity level? Can he handle the pressure of being a pro QB? And what's with the Raiders getting all hyped up on him just because Tom Brady likes him? It's like they're already buying into some conspiracy theory 
. I mean, he was amazing in college and Brady seems like a big influence 
. But at the same time, you gotta wonder if the Raiders are making this a priority enough? They're losing their head coach and all that... maybe they should focus on finding a new coach first before trying to land Mendoza? 
Still excited to see how it all plays out though!
... He sounds like a real game-changer, what with all those passing yards and touchdowns 
... It's crazy to think that the team might just land him as their quarterback in the 2026 draft 
... I mean, it would be awesome for them to have a superstar player like Mendoza leading the charge 
... But at the same time, there are so many variables to consider - like who's going to be their head coach and what kind of system they want to run 
. It's crazy how quickly a player can go from obscurity to everyone's favorite pick 
. But for real though, 72% completion rate is no joke! That guy must've been putting up some serious numbers on the field 
️. Can't wait to see how this all plays out 
.
. Tom Brady's got a good eye 
and get Mendoza behind the wheel of their franchise QB 
!
...
. imo the raiders would do well to draft someone who's had more experience, not some rookie QB 
. tom brady doesnt even play for the raiders anymore lol 
.
his connection with Mendoza is no joke. lets not write off Tom Brady's opinion just yet 
and btw, what's the deal with Pete Carroll's firing? that's some major roster turnover going on 
they got a tough decision ahead of them with that coaching vacancy 
Fernando Mendoza is literally the real deal!! I mean i know he's only just stepped into the nfl scene but the stats are insane and thats not even mentioning his clutch performances on the field...the fact that Tom Brady is already on board with him is a major yes from me 
Raiders need to lock him down ASAP, its clear they want franchise QB and Mendoza has got the potential to make it happen 
He's got that whole college baller vibe going on, with a trophy case full of wins and accolades to match his impressive stats. I mean, 72% completion rate? 