New evaluations give the Raiders valuable clarity on Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza before the 2026 NFL Draft. DH

Duong Hieu3 days ago

0 21 4 minutes read

Introduction

As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for one of the most pivotal roster resets in recent franchise history, quarterback evaluation has become priority number one heading into the 2026 NFL Draft cycle. Although the class is shaping up to be deep and competitive, one name has begun drawing significant intrigue inside the Raiders’ scouting department: Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

While Mendoza has not yet cemented himself as a consensus first-round pick, early reports indicate that the Raiders have received key internal and external insight that could elevate him on their draft board. With traits that blend modern quarterback tools and intuitive leadership, the young signal-caller is forcing NFL evaluators to take a closer look.

The Raiders, hungry for long-term stability at the position, may have just discovered one of the most intriguing potential fits in the upcoming class.

Who Is Fernando Mendoza?

Mendoza has been one of the Big Ten’s most intriguing quarterback risers. Though not an early household name, he steadily built a résumé highlighted by:

Strong decision-making
Composure under pressure
Functional mobility
A developing deep ball
Command of a pro-style and RPO-based offense

Those close to the Indiana program consistently praise his maturity, preparation, and ability to elevate teammates — traits NFL teams value as highly as physical tools.

At 6’3” with fluid movement skills, Mendoza fits the prototype of today’s evolving NFL quarterback, and evaluators are beginning to connect his collegiate strengths with the Raiders’ organizational needs.

The Insight Las Vegas Received

According to team sources familiar with early scouting meetings, the Raiders recently received several pieces of key insight from:

College scouts assigned to the Big Ten
Pro personnel evaluators tasked with quarterback projections
External consulting scouts hired for cross-checking high-value positions

Together, these reports have led to one growing theme:

Mendoza may be one of the most mentally advanced quarterbacks in the 2026 class.

High Football IQ

Scouts highlighted Mendoza’s ability to:

Diagnose defenses pre-snap
Adjust protections
Manipulate safeties with his eyes
Work through full-field reads

This mental skill set has reportedly impressed the Raiders, particularly given their desire for a quarterback who can operate within complex structure while still retaining playmaking flexibility.

Leadership Quotient

Insight gathered from Indiana’s coaching staff described Mendoza as:

“The emotional stabilizer of the team”
“Unflappable, even in hostile environments”
“A player teammates naturally follow”

For a Raiders franchise seeking cultural alignment under its new direction, leadership traits are viewed as a premium.

Why the Raiders Are Interested

Quarterback is not merely an on-field need for Las Vegas — it is a franchise-defining decision. The Raiders have been searching for a young, long-term answer at the position since the departure of Derek Carr. As the 2026 draft approaches, the team is casting a wide scouting net.

Mendoza Fits the Offensive Philosophy

Based on early conversations within the organization, the Raiders want a quarterback who combines:

Timing and rhythm passing
Mobility for extending plays
Quick-processing ability
Willingness to operate within structure

Mendoza checks those boxes.

A High-Upside Developmental Prospect

The Raiders’ interest doesn’t necessarily mean Mendoza is competing for top-five status. Instead, evaluators view him as the kind of prospect who may rise late — the type who skyrockets after combine interviews, chalkboard sessions, and private workouts.

Las Vegas has historically been willing to bet on developmental upside, and Mendoza’s profile aligns with that approach.

Positional Value

Quarterback is the most valuable position in football. Even mid-first-round or early-second-round passers can reshape a franchise trajectory. If Mendoza continues his upward curve, he may become a strategic target in a draft class that could be deeper than star-heavy.

What Scouts Want to See Next

While the insight is overwhelmingly positive, evaluators have also noted areas where Mendoza must continue improving to solidify his stock.

Consistency in Deep-Ball Placement

While Mendoza has flashed downfield accuracy, scouts want to see:

More consistent trajectory
Better timing on vertical shots
Improved anticipation on post and corner routes

With refinement, this area could become a strength.

Pocket Footwork

Occasional lapses in lower-body mechanics can cause throw variability. Raiders evaluators believe improved foot discipline would unlock Mendoza’s full arm talent.

Faster Processing Against Exotic Fronts

Big Ten defenses gave Mendoza complex looks, but NFL disguises are far more sophisticated. Growth in post-snap recognition will be crucial during his next collegiate season.

How Mendoza Compares to Other 2026 QB Prospects

Mendoza may not yet carry the national buzz of higher-profile prospects expected to headline the draft, but his combination of traits positions him uniquely in the class.

Compared to Pocket-Heavy Passers

He provides more mobility.

Compared to Highly Athletic Runners

He brings more polish as a rhythm passer.

Compared to Gunslingers

He plays with safer decision-making and better situational awareness.

In other words: he fits neatly between prototypes — a hybrid mold NFL offenses covet.

Could Mendoza Become a Real Raiders Target?

The short answer: yes — if his trajectory holds.

The longer answer depends on:

How he performs against elite Big Ten defenses
His combine and pro-day interviews
Analytics-based evaluations
Whether the Raiders secure a top-five pick or draft later in the first round

If the Raiders find themselves outside the range of top quarterback prospects, Mendoza could become an ideal mid-round value selection or a trade-up target.

He represents the type of quarterback who may not lead draft headlines today, but has the potential to be the headline tomorrow.

What This Means for Las Vegas Moving Forward

Quarterback is the franchise’s biggest decision. And while the Raiders will evaluate many prospects before April 2026, receiving strong early insight on Mendoza helps expand their strategic options.

This move signals that:

The Raiders are doing extensive early homework
They are considering multiple archetypes of quarterbacks
They are open to developing a long-term prospect
They want intelligence and leadership as much as arm talent

With Las Vegas entering a new identity era, finding the right quarterback is the key to sustaining that direction. Mendoza gives them another compelling possibility.

Conclusion

Fernando Mendoza may not be the loudest name in the 2026 NFL Draft conversation — but inside the Raiders’ scouting department, his profile is gaining momentum. Early insight paints a picture of a quarterback with intelligence, composure, adaptability, and room for growth, all traits that align with the future Las Vegas is trying to build.

As the draft cycle deepens and evaluations intensify, Mendoza will remain a name to watch. For now, the Raiders have made one thing clear:

He is officially on their radar — and rising.