By each measure, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is anticipated to be the primary participant chosen within the 2026 NFL Draft, when the Las Vegas Raiders are formally on the clock.
However assembly with the media Friday in Indianapolis on the NFL Scouting Mix, Mendoza provided maybe the right reply relating to his draft place.
Mendoza’s dream season, which included guiding the Hoosiers to their first nationwide title in class historical past whereas securing the Heisman Trophy alongside the way in which, has put him on the high of the quarterback board main into the 2026 NFL Draft. Provided that this yr’s crop of collegiate passers isn’t as deep as in yr’s previous, that has solely helped solidify Mendoza’s inventory as QB1. And with the Raiders amongst many groups on the high of the board that want a quarterback, he shouldn’t have to attend lengthy to listen to his title known as.
Nevertheless, he can be blissful to listen to it known as in any respect, even when it comes at decide No. 199.
Friday in Indianapolis the quarterback mentioned he would grateful to be chosen, “whether or not it’s the No. 1 decide or whether or not it’s, you understand, the 199th decide.”
In fact, that reference to the “199th decide” comes for a cause. In any case, that’s the place Tom Brady got here off board in the course of the 2000 NFL Draft.
You recognize, one of many best quarterbacks of all time and a minority proprietor of the Raiders.
Mendoza conceded that he has already met with the Raiders — throughout which Brady known as in to supply a “temporary hello” to the Indiana quarterback — and mentioned it was a “incredible” assembly.
“I used to be fortunate sufficient to interview with the Las Vegas Raiders,” Mendoza mentioned Friday morning on the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix. “It was a incredible interview. Teaching workers was in there. We went over a few of my earlier performs and did performs on the board. I believed it was an amazing assembly.
“I do know they’ve the No. 1 decide, however something can occur within the draft. Excited for the chance and no matter group drafts me, I’m going to provide every little thing I received to them.”
And whereas Mendoza is ok wherever he lands, even when it’s not with the Raiders, he admitted that the possibility to be mentored by Brady can be splendid.
“Yeah, I imply, who hasn’t admired Tom Brady? I imply, extra Tremendous Bowl rings than anyone … anyone!” Mendoza mentioned. “So, that chance can be incredible. Tom Brady, I consider, is the best quarterback of all time — by a large margin — and to have the ability to have the chance to be mentored by him, would … imply a lot.
“Particularly to study, and I’m all about studying. So from Day 1, you understand, I’ve received to study lots. It’s gonna be an extended journey, and to doubtlessly have a mentor like that, it might be fairly spectacular and fairly significant.”
