Fernando Mendoza Breaks From Tradition Before NFL Draft with Unexpected Choice
Indiana standout quarterback Fernando Mendoza has informed the league that he will not be attending the 2026 NFL draft later this month.
Mendoza reportedly expressed his strong desire to share the draft experience with his family and friends in Miami.
It’s long been expected that he will be selected with the first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. If that turns out to be the case, he would join the likes of Myles Garrett (2017), Baker Mayfield (2018), Trevor Lawrence (2021), and Travon Walker (2022) as the top selection not attending the draft in person.
Over the last few months, Mendoza has been circled as the Raiders’ preferred choice to step in as the team’s next franchise cornerstone under center.
Las Vegas recently made the headline move of signing former Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins to stabilize their quarterback room ahead of next season, setting the stage for a potential transition period as Mendoza develops.
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The Raiders have struggled to find stable play at quarterback since parting ways with Derek Carr two offseasons ago. The organization hoped that Geno Smith could step in to provide stability last season, but it was anything but that, as the team moved on after one year despite inking him to an extension.
Las Vegas has taken a renewed approach this offseason by firing head coach Pete Carroll and hiring former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Clint Kubiak. The potential pairing of Kubiak and Mendoza could be the foundation that the Raiders need to finally break through.
