Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to land with the Las Vegas Raiders as the No.1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft that is set to take place in Indianapolis next month.
The Indiana star was the best quarterback that came out of the 2025 college football season; however, he only has one year of starting experience under his belt, which is why the Raiders GM recently spoke about not giving the steering wheel into Mendoza’s hands in his first season with the team.
A recent report by Dianna Russini suggested that the Raiders are looking at signing a veteran quarterback for the 2026 NFL season, giving Mendoza a year to prepare before he takes the QB1 role.
While some fans suggested names like Geno Smith and Derek Carr for the job, others wonder why the minority owner, Tom Brady, can’t help the projected no.1 overall pick.
“We got f**king Tom Brady as minor owner of Raiders, why in the hell Mendoza can’t star immediately?” one fan questioned.
”Classic Raiders move: cling to mediocrity by chasing a veteran while ignoring the guy they actually drafted to be their future. Mendoza deserves the shot—delaying him just screams tank-for-another-year mindset.” another fan reacted.
”So you would rather waste his affordable years rather than have him go through rookie trials through errors with low expectations. Let this season be the year he matures as a QB & let him have it. Low expectations helps a young QB settle in. It’s big deal starting in the pros.” another fan added.
”Sounds like the raiders are going to draft him so no one else can. Nothing worse then being the number one draft pick.” Another fan noted.
”does he not have the guidance of tom brady?!” another fan asked.
”Raiders already got a reputation for being ass, just play him n see where it takes y’all. He can’t be any worse than geno.” Another fan highlighted.
Stephen A. Smith Predicts the Raiders to Be Bad Landing Spot for Fernando Mendoza
In a blunt statement issued during an ESPN First Take appearance on January 21st, Stephen A. Smith boldly labeled the Raiders as a bad fit ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Smith said while he is happy for Tom Brady because he loves the 7x Super Bowl champ, there is nothing else to celebrate or be happy about the franchise.
“He’s (Tom Brady) the only thing to celebrate in Las Vegas because we all love Vegas. Okay, that’s about it. There’s nothing else that’s good about this organization. And so, you know, again, I don’t have any questions about Mendoza.” Smith said.
Mendoza finished the 2025 season with massive achievements, including a national championship title and a Heisman Trophy honor.
Read More:
- Did Ryan Williams Change Jersey Numbers? All We Know About Alabama WR’s New Name
- Trinidad Chambliss Eligibility Case: NCAA Urges Court to Reverse Decision on Ole Miss QB’s 6th Year Appeal
- “QB Room Getting Even Worse”: Fans React as Ty Simpson Reportedly Visits the Cleveland Browns
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
