NFL Execs Rank Raiders QB Prospect Fernando Mendoza for 2026 Draft
The Las Vegas Raiders appear set to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza as their franchise leader in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza, currently with Indiana University, is considered a strong prospect despite the historical challenges facing first-round quarterbacks. Over 50% of them typically struggle in the NFL, yet those who excel often become transformative players for their teams.
Evaluation of Fernando Mendoza
To gauge Mendoza’s potential, Filmogaz.com consulted 11 NFL executives from various franchises. Their assessments focused on comparing Mendoza to first-round quarterbacks from the previous three drafts.
Quarterback Rankings from Recent Drafts
The executives ranked Mendoza alongside those selected in 2023, 2024, and 2025 drafts:
| Year | Player | Team | Draft Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Bryce Young | Carolina Panthers | No. 1 |
| 2023 | C.J. Stroud | Houston Texans | No. 2 |
| 2023 | Anthony Richardson Sr. | Indianapolis Colts | No. 4 |
| 2024 | Caleb Williams | Chicago Bears | No. 1 |
| 2024 | Jayden Daniels | Washington Commanders | No. 2 |
| 2024 | Drake Maye | New England Patriots | No. 3 |
| 2025 | Cam Ward | Tennessee Titans | No. 1 |
| 2025 | Jaxson Dart | New York Giants | No. 25 |
| 2026 | Fernando Mendoza | Indiana Hoosiers | Projected No. 1 |
Ranking Results
The executives evaluated Mendoza and other quarterbacks, focusing on their potential rather than their current performance. The rankings yielded the following results:
- Fernando Mendoza: 2.18 score, 2 first-place votes
- C.J. Stroud: 2.36 score, 2 first-place votes
- Cam Ward: 3.8 score, 1 first-place vote
- Bryce Young: 4.09 score, 2 first-place votes
- Caleb Williams: 4.18 score, 4 first-place votes
- Drake Maye: 5.2 score, no first-place votes
- Jayden Daniels: 7.36 score, no first-place votes
- J.J. McCarthy: 7.63 score, no first-place votes
- Jaxson Dart: 8.34 score, no first-place votes
- Bo Nix: 9 score, no first-place votes
- Anthony Richardson Sr.: 10.45 score, no first-place votes
- Michael Penix Jr.: 10.55 score, no first-place votes
Consensus on Mendoza
Overall, a majority of the executives view Mendoza favorably. Despite only two naming him the top quarterback, every executive expressed confidence in his ability to start for the Raiders in his rookie season. They emphasized his exceptional character and readiness to lead a franchise.
As the draft approaches, it seems increasingly likely that Fernando Mendoza will become the cornerstone for the Raiders, marking a new chapter in his career and the team’s future.
