Fernando Mendoza’s name keeps landing in the same place across the draft internet: the Las Vegas Raiders. Mock after mock—from national boards to team-specific projections—connects the quarterback to the Raiders as the simplest line to draw this far out.
The trend is not about any one mock being “right.” It is about repetition revealing what evaluators think a franchise is signaling—need, timeline, and a willingness to reset the position high in the draft.
NFL mock drafts are in agreement about the Raiders…
The Raiders have chased quarterback stability for years, which is why Mendoza keeps showing up in projections. He checks the boxes mock drafters lean on: poised under pressure, accurate enough to stay on schedule, and seasoned enough to sell as an early starter. The reasoning shifts, but the landing spot stays the same.
Still, a trend is not a verdict. Mock drafts reflect perception, not sourcing. They layer assumptions—draft order, declarations, medicals, coaching hires—into a clean narrative. The Raiders-Mendoza link is that kind of neat fit: a team that needs a quarterback paired with one who looks “reasonable” at the top.
So, what are the experts saying?
Mark Schofield of SB Nation, ESPN’s Jordan Reid, and Mike Renner of CBS Sports are all in agreement—Mendoza is the pick as of now.
“With the Raiders now unofficially on the clock, expect the connections to Fernando Mendoza to kick into overdrive. Mendoza led Indiana to an unbeaten season, picked up a Heisman Trophy along the way, and there is a lot to love about his game.” -Mike Schofield
“Mendoza’s poise, toughness and accuracy stood out in his lone season with the Hoosiers, as he won the Heisman Trophy while leading them to a 14-0 record. With tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders have building blocks on offense that would help Mendoza thrive right away.” -Jordan Reid
“The Raiders are simply looking for baseline competency at quarterback. Given Mendoza’s performances under pressure at both Cal and Indiana, there’s little reason to doubt he can hold up behind the Raiders’ offensive line.” -Mike Renner
The pairing is worth tracking because it raises the real question: will the Raiders build like they mean it? If Mendoza is more than January content, Las Vegas must match the projection with structure—protection up front, a clear Year 1 plan, and roster moves that make the pick about more than highlights.
Until then, the mocks will keep connecting dots while the Raiders decide whether to commit. What are your thoughts on the Mendoza/Raiders connection, Raider Nation?
*Top Photo: Imagn Images