The Las Vegas Raiders have secured the Number 1 pick in the 2026, could Mendoza be a future Raider?
Could we see Fernando Mendoza drafted to the Las Vegas Raiders? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For the first time since 2007, the Las Vegas Raiders have the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Back then, the Raiders picked quarterback JaMarcus Russell, a choice many now see as one of the biggest draft mistakes in NFL history. Almost 20 years later, the Raiders are once again looking for a franchise quarterback. This time, they hope to get it right. With the top pick, Las Vegas has a great chance to change the future of the team by finding a quarterback who can lead them for years to come.
Who Is Fernando Mendoza?
Fernando Mendoza is a quarterback from Indiana and one of the best players in this draft. He is 6-foot-5 and weighs 225 pounds. Mendoza plays well in offenses that focus on quick passes and timing. He is very accurate on short and medium throws and makes smart decisions with the ball. He stays calm and patient, which helps him avoid mistakes, a skill that will be very important in the NFL.
Why Should the Raiders Pick Mendoza?
Mendoza’s accuracy, calm attitude, and football smarts could bring the Raiders much-needed stability. The Raiders have had problems with turnovers and inconsistent play at quarterback for years. Picking Mendoza could help fix those problems and give the team a steady leader who can grow into a franchise quarterback.
Other Quarterbacks to Watch
If the Raiders decide not to pick Mendoza, there are other quarterbacks in the draft worth watching:
Dante Moore (Oregon)
Moore is one of the best pure passers in the class. He is 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds. Moore has a strong arm and throws with great touch and confidence. He is good at making tight throws and timing his passes perfectly.
Why pick him? Moore’s ability to win from the pocket and throw deep could help the Raiders build a strong and balanced offense.
Ty Simpson (Alabama)
Simpson is 6-foot-2 and has good mobility. Many experts believe he is ready to play in the NFL right away. He reads defenses well and shows strong leadership.
Why pick him? If the Raiders want someone who can start quickly and compete for the job right away, Simpson is a good choice.
Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)
Nussmeier has a smaller frame, which raises questions about his durability. But when healthy, he plays with confidence and can make plays under pressure.
Why pick him? He could be a high-upside player if the Raiders are willing to help him develop behind a veteran quarterback and improve their offensive line.
John Mateer (Washington State)
Mateer is the most athletic quarterback in the group. His speed and mobility let him make plays outside the pocket and extend runs.
Why pick him? If the Raiders want a quarterback who can create plays with his legs and add more movement to the offense, Mateer is a solid option.
The Big Decision
With the No. 1 overall pick, the Raiders have a rare chance to find their franchise quarterback and change the team’s future. While the other quarterbacks offer different strengths, Fernando Mendoza stands out as the most complete and ready to play in today’s NFL.
His size, accuracy, and smart decision-making make him the best choice to bring stability and help the Raiders build a strong offense. If the Raiders want a quarterback who can make an immediate impact and become a long-term leader, Mendoza should be the clear pick. The future of the Raiders may depend on this decision.
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Category: General Sports