When Fernando Mendoza hears his name called first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night, it won’t just mark the start of his NFL career it could place him alongside one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. And for Mendoza, that possibility means everything.
Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Mendoza opened up about what it would be like to share a building with Tom Brady, who remains closely tied to the Raiders organization. “It would mean the world,” Mendoza said. “Tom Brady… he’s going to pour into whatever quarterback they take.”
While Mendoza acknowledged the relationship would be professional not the childhood dream of friendship he made it clear the mentorship aspect is what excites him most. “It would be cool… and I want to be pushed to be the best quarterback that I can become.”
Despite being projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza won’t be attending the event in Pittsburgh. Instead, the Indiana standout has chosen to stay home in Miami, prioritizing family over the spotlight. “My mom really wanted me to do it at home,” Mendoza said.
“I wanted to make the memory with everybody who poured into my football journey.” For Mendoza, the moment isn’t about the stage it’s about the people who helped him get there.
The Top QB on the Board
Mendoza enters the draft as one of the most highly regarded prospects in the class. According to Bleacher Report’s scouting department, he’s:
- The No. 1 quarterback
- The No. 3 overall prospect
And in multiple projections, he’s expected to land in Las Vegas as the franchise’s next cornerstone. For the Raiders, the decision at No. 1 could define the next decade. If Mendoza is the pick, he would step into a situation filled with both pressure and opportunity:
- A team in need of a long-term quarterback
- A front office preaching culture and development
- Potential mentorship from Tom Brady
Mendoza’s mindset reflects maturity beyond his years focused on growth, grounded in family, and ready for the challenge ahead. If Thursday night goes as expected, the Raiders won’t just be drafting a quarterback. They’ll be drafting a leader.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
