It’s no surprise that Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza will very likely be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders need a new quarterback, will be led by new head coach Klint Kubiak, and Mendoza was arguably the best player in college football last year, leading Indiana to a national championship title and wining the Heisman.
Mendoza is the consensus best quarterback in this year’s draft. There’s not much of a debate. But, like every talented college prospect coming out of college into the big leagues, there are some flaws with Mendoza.
While evaluating Mendoza’s tape, former NFL quarterback and now college football/NFL analyst Chase Daniel noticed a big flaw from Mendoza’s game. He thinks Mendoza holds onto the ball a big long and forces throws at times. The problem with this is, he could get his team out of field goal range with a possible interception, grounding, or sack.
Will Fernando Mendoza Be a Good Addition For The Raiders?
Fernando Mendoza is the best available option for the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
If the changes in LV are good (coaching, adding the right players in free agency, drafting well), then Mendoza will certainly be set up tp flourish in Las Vegas. The Raiders have talent on offense in tight end Brock Bowers, who’s viewed as a top-three tight end, second-year running back Ashton Jeanty, who rushed for nearly 1,000 yards last season, and offensive mastermind, Klint Kubiak as head coach.
The Raiders need to improve it offensive line and add a few receivers to have a chance to elevate its offense. Adding Mendoza, who is a young, proven winner should elevate that offense even more.
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