Raiders selected Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

24 April 2026

A Cal standout who became a Heisman Trophy, national-title winning superstar at Indiana, Mendoza (6’5/236) is deadly accurate and appropriately aggressive. Although he lacks elite arm strength or improvisational ability, his “on time” play style allows him to make throws to all three levels of the field, absolutely shredding defenses when he is allowed to pass in rhythm. Outside of structure, Mendoza is not the best at navigating pressure, though he is capable of making plays on the ground with his massive frame. Mendoza had an uncanny knack for executing on the biggest snaps in Bloomington, thriving on third down and in the red zone. He does not require excessive play-action hand-holding, though he was afforded no shortage of RPOs at Indiana. Although Mendoza’s personality can sometimes seem reminiscent of Russell Wilson, his athletic profile reminds of early-career Ben Roethlisberger. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has compared him to Joe Burrow. An elite processor whose strengths far outweigh his weaknesses, Mendoza is a worthy No. 1 overall pick even if he does not project as a generational-talent at football’s most important position. His first order of business will be winning a training camp competition — contrived or otherwise — with Kirk Cousins. Like many teams before them, the Raiders have claimed they are comfortable sitting Mendoza to begin his career. Believe it when you see it.