The Las Vegas Raiders seem poised to select Fernando Mendoza in the 2026 NFL Draft, a move that's generating significant buzz. Mendoza is the media's consensus choice for the Raiders, with whispers suggesting he's already diving into Las Vegas' playbook during offseason workouts. However, he's not without his critics.
Bruce Feldman from The Athletic recently released a mock draft, enriched by insights from NFL insiders. One coach, familiar with Mendoza's journey, acknowledged his progress but raised questions about his composure.
"The biggest leap was his growth throughout last season," remarked a coach who faced Indiana early on. "He started off just okay against Old Dominion, but his improvement week after week was remarkable."
Yet, this same coach was taken aback by Mendoza's potential top draft status. "I’m not convinced he has an elite skill set," the coach noted.
"He does many things well, but those top picks usually possess something extraordinary-be it arm strength or athleticism. I’ve seen those generational talents in the NFL, and their standout abilities are evident from day one."
Opinions on Mendoza's composure vary, but many agree that his draft position might be more about timing than talent.
"He’s got a solid build and stays composed," said a Big Ten defensive backs coach. "He played impressively against us, but he doesn't quite match up to Drake Maye in arm talent and athleticism.
If he were in the same draft as C.J. Stroud, I'd lean towards C.J.
Still, Fernando’s intangibles are exceptional, though his draft spot seems circumstantial."
As Mendoza gears up for his rookie season, there's a chance for him to silence the skeptics and showcase his true potential on the field.