US EditionIU’s Fernando Mendoza Facing a First-to-Worst (Raiders) Move Into the NFL
The Raiders are set to pick Heisman-winning QB Fernando Mendoza first overall, with odds at -20,000 favoring this choice amid ongoing draft trade talks.
- At the Indianapolis combine, the Raiders interviewed Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and reportedly got Brady on the phone during a formal interview.
- Facing a need at quarterback, the Raiders evaluate all options after Geno Smith's dreadful season, and head coach Klint Kubiak said Wednesday the coaching staff is excited to keep learning about Mendoza but cautions it is still early in the process.
- Draft-Market signals show Mendoza is a-20,000 favorite to go No.1, with a $2,000 bet winning $10, aligning with Las Vegas projections.
- Raiders front office stress that if they select Mendoza, he will be expected to lead the franchise, though keeping Geno Smith as a backup remains possible but unpopular with the fan base, and trade talks are still open.
- Now a Heisman Trophy winner, Mendoza transferred to Indiana, won the national title, and appeared in childhood photos wearing Brady jerseys, showing his admiration for Tom Brady.
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17 Articles
IU’s Fernando Mendoza facing a first-to-worst (Raiders) move into the NFL
INDIANAPOLIS – The euphoric ride Fernando Mendoza’s been on has delivered him to a rewarding yet ominous juncture on his career arc. From first to worst. From the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback of the undefeated, national championship Indiana Hoosiers to the presumptive franchise quarterback of the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the No. 1 pick in [...]
wibc.com
97.9 The BeatFernando Mendoza: "Whatever Team Drafts Me, I'm Grateful"
Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty INDIANAPOLIS–Former Indiana Hoosier quarterback Fernando Mendoza spoke at the NFL Combine on Friday in Indianapolis. The majority of mock drafts project Mendoza to be the #1 overall pick to the Las Vegas Raiders, but he says he’s not letting that affect his mindset or preparation. “I’m just trying to be the best ‘me’ possible. Whatever team drafts me, I’m grateful. It doesn’t matter if it’s the #1 pick or the #19…
Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders feels like a formality at this point
Speaking with the media for the first time at the NFL combine, former Indiana and Heisman trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is a lock to be take No. 1 over at the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Miami native Fernando Mendoza, likely top pick for Raiders, channels Tom Brady at combine
Miami native Fernando Mendoza is a staunch admirer of Tom Brady. Now, he's likely bound to be the No. 1 draft pick to the Raiders, who have Brady as a minority owner.
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