Why the Raiders Might Have Their Guy in Fernando Mendoza - And Why That’s Okay
The Las Vegas Raiders are staring down one of the most pivotal decisions in franchise history: what to do with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. And while some fans are still dreaming of a blockbuster trade for Lamar Jackson, the conversation around Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is heating up - and for good reason.
Let’s be clear: Mendoza isn’t being talked about in the same breath as generational prospects like Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, or Caleb Williams. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t worthy of the top pick. In fact, according to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Raiders might already have their answer under center - and it’s not wearing purple and black.
The Case for Mendoza: Fit, Tools, and Timing
With Klint Kubiak stepping in as head coach and a new era beginning in Vegas, the idea of pairing him with a young, moldable quarterback like Mendoza makes a lot of sense. Yates points to Mendoza’s stellar 2025 campaign as a major reason for optimism. The Hoosiers didn’t just win - they went undefeated and captured a national title, with Mendoza at the helm.
What stands out about Mendoza isn’t just the wins, though. It’s how he won.
He showed elite accuracy and the kind of arm talent that allows him to attack every level of the field. His pocket presence took a major leap, and when the lights were brightest, he delivered.
Clutch moments? He owned them.
That’s the kind of mental toughness and poise that translates to Sundays.
Physically, Mendoza checks a lot of boxes. He’s got the frame to absorb hits, the mobility to extend plays, and the creativity to make something out of nothing when the structure breaks down. Perhaps most importantly, he processes the game quickly - a must-have trait in today’s NFL, where defenses disguise looks and pressure comes fast.
The Lamar Jackson Question
Of course, the shadow of Lamar Jackson looms large over this conversation. The two-time MVP is still in his prime at 29 and would instantly raise the Raiders’ ceiling. There’s been buzz in the past about Vegas making a move for him, and with star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby reportedly unhappy about the idea of another rebuild, bringing in an established star like Jackson could be a way to fast-track competitiveness.
But there’s a catch. Baltimore’s new head coach Jesse Minter has made it clear he wants to build around Jackson, and until a contract extension is signed, the speculation will continue. Still, prying Jackson away from the Ravens would be a massive, complex undertaking - both in terms of draft capital and salary cap gymnastics.
Mendoza Isn’t a “One-Year Wonder” - He’s The Guy
There’s also the question of whether Mendoza’s rise is sustainable. Is he just a one-season wonder? That’s something Yates addressed head-on when asked by fellow ESPN analyst Ben Solak.
“Is he perfect? No,” Yates admitted.
“Is any quarterback prospect perfect? No.
But to me, not only do I think it’s obvious that [Mendoza] is the No. 1 pick in the draft. I think he is the best player in the draft.
Period, full stop.”
That’s not just a vote of confidence - that’s a statement. And it aligns with how the Raiders seem to be thinking.
With Tom Brady in the building as a minority owner and John Spytek calling the shots as GM, this is a front office that understands the value of a franchise quarterback. If they believe Mendoza is that guy, then taking him at No. 1 isn’t a gamble - it’s a plan.
The Bigger Picture in Vegas
The Raiders aren’t just picking a quarterback. They’re choosing a direction. Do they swing big for a proven star like Jackson, or do they build something from the ground up with a promising young passer who fits their new head coach’s system?
There’s no easy answer, but the more you dig into Mendoza’s profile - the production, the physical tools, the intangibles - the more it looks like Vegas might already have their future face of the franchise lined up.
And if that’s the case, Raiders fans might want to start getting used to the idea of Fernando Mendoza in silver and black.