Fernando Mendoza is highly projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and go to the Las Vegas Raiders.
While most analysts don’t doubt Mendoza’s skills and talent because of what he has achieved in his college career, such as winning the Heisman Trophy and the national championship, some have reservations about whether he should be a Week-1 starter as a rookie in the 2026 NFL season.
The Raiders have signed a deal with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, which is why many believe the franchise might be preparing to let Mendoza learn for a while before giving him the starting position.
Analyst Adam Schein shared his thoughts on whether the Raiders should start Mendoza.
“I think he should be in a position to be the Rookie of the Year and lead this team with Brock Bowers and Ashton Gentry and Linda Brown when you look at what he does at the center position. So I think the Raiders with Klint Kubiak and Mendoza, that’s going to be a winning lottery ticket. That’s going to be unbelievable for Vegas. I think that there needs to be more jubilation,” Schein said.
“I think there needs to be more in terms of a word choice describing a franchise quarterback. There needs to be more in terms of celebration when it comes to Mendoza. I think he is going to absolutely fit. Tom Brady loves him. He’s obviously involved. And I know that it’s ordinary in terms of lack of buzz because everyone knows he’s going to be the number one pick in the draft,” he added.
Analyst Puts Fernando Mendoza Behind Young NFL Quarterbacks
Talking about a hypothetical situation where Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Cam Ward, and Fernando Mendoza were in the same draft class, analyst Dane Brugler shared his thoughts.
Brugler said he would keep Mendoza behind Williams, Maye, and Daniels and would put him ahead of the Titans QB, Ward.
”That really separates him.” Brugler said.
Brugler also highlighted Mendoza’s qualities as a quarterback, including his understanding of the pre-snap and where to go with the football.
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