By each measure, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is predicted 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 supplied 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. On condition that this yr’s crop of collegiate passers will not be 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 mustn’t have to attend lengthy to listen to his identify known as.
Nonetheless, he could be completely happy to listen to it known as in any respect, even when it comes at choose No. 199.
Friday in Indianapolis the quarterback mentioned he would grateful to be chosen, “whether or not it’s the No. 1 choose or whether or not it’s, , the 199th choose.”
In fact, that reference to the “199th choose” comes for a purpose. In any case, that’s the place Tom Brady got here off board in the course of the 2000 NFL Draft.
You understand, 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 employees was in there. We went over a few of my earlier performs and did performs on the board. I assumed it was an incredible assembly.
“I do know they’ve the No. 1 choose, however something can occur within the draft. Excited for the chance and no matter workforce drafts me, I’m going to provide every part I bought to them.”
And whereas Mendoza is ok wherever he lands, even when it isn’t with the Raiders, he admitted that the prospect to be mentored by Brady could be supreme.
“Yeah, I imply, who hasn’t admired Tom Brady? I imply, extra Tremendous Bowl rings than anyone … anyone!” Mendoza mentioned. “So, that chance could be incredible. Tom Brady, I imagine, 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, , I’ve bought to study rather a lot. It’s gonna be a protracted journey, and to doubtlessly have a mentor like that, it could be fairly spectacular and fairly significant.”
