If the Las Vegas Raiders want Fernando Mendoza (and they probably do), they can have him.
Friday morning, on the deadline day for him to do so, Mendoza announced he is declaring for the 2026 NFL draft. The Raiders are fully expected to take the Heisman Trophy-wining quarterback from Indiana with the No. 1 overall draft pick.
The fact that Mendoza, 22, declared for the draft was not a surprise, but there were some nervous Raiders’ fans as he waited so close to the deadline. Now, all systems are go for Mendoza becoming the Raiders’ next quarterback.
The Raiders, who last took a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in 2007 when they drafted JaMarcus Russell out of LSU, badly need a young quarterback and Mendoza is considered the only player at the position with taking so high in the draft.
So, unless the Raiders trade the pick, which is possible, it appears Mendoza is headed to Las Vegas.
The Raiders’ brass, including owner Mark Davis, part owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek, were in attendance in Miami on Monday night to watch Mendoza lead Indiana to its first national championship in a win over Miami, which was another indication they are zeroing in on drafting him.
Friday, it become official that Mendoza is available and headed to the Silver and Black.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
- New, improved notifications system!
See More:
