The reality is that before the start of last season, both NCAA Football and the NFL were hardly talking about Fernando Mendoza. He wasn’t exactly unknown, but he was definitely off the radar in terms of conversation. Now, he is set to become the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which will take place on April 23rd.
The worst team in the NFL, the Las Vegas Raiders, will have the first pick in the Draft, and with it, the current Heisman Trophy winner. Given that quarterback is the Raiders’ biggest need, they will likely select Fernando Mendoza, who will instantly become the new leader of the team, especially after Geno Smith’s departure to the New York Jets.
The last time the Raiders had the number 1 pick was 19 years ago. Back then, they selected a quarterback who was considered a generational talent due to his performance at LSU-yes, the well-known case of JaMarcus Russell, who ended up being a huge bust and never had another opportunity in the NFL after just three seasons.
The Raiders’ new weapons begin to commit to Fernando Mendoza
Although Fernando Mendoza has not yet arrived, the Raiders’ leadership, headed by John Spytek and Tom Brady, has not wasted time. They’ve already begun arming the quarterback, especially by signing Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, making him the highest-paid center in NFL history with a three-year, $81 million contract. Protecting Mendoza will be a top priority.
The Raiders have also signed c, the former wide receiver from the Minnesota Vikings. For now, Nailor, along with Tre Tucker and tight end Brock Bowers, will be Mendoza’s primary weapons in the air attack. Nailor acknowledged that they will need to work hard to protect the rookie quarterback next season:
“First, we need to learn the offense. I need to get integrated with him,” Nailor said. “We’ll watch the film, break down the playbook. Just try to get on the same page, I’d say. Then, we’ll find those moments on and off the field, just to talk football. Be in the same space and continue developing myself as a receiver and help him develop as a quarterback.”
Clearly, there’s a lot of excitement around Fernando Mendoza, who has already been compared to the legendary Tom Brady due to his playing style. However, patience will be needed for the quarterback, as he is heading to the worst franchise in the NFL and joining one of the most competitive divisions in the league-the AFC West, with the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos.
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