Although the No. 1 overall pick is already solidified, questions are arising about whether Fernando Mendoza is deserving of the honor. He is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, but analysts like Dan Orlovsky believe he is not a superior prospect. Some say his arm talent is average and that he lacks stature with low muscle mass.
Not everyone shares that skepticism, however. ESPN analyst Louis Riddick sees things differently.
“He looks like a presumptive No. 1 overall pick,” Riddick said. “He looks like a franchise-caliber quarterback.”
What cannot be denied is that Mendoza is a true leader. All of his teammates showed up for the nationally televised event, a testament to the respect he commands in the locker room. Wide receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. are both likely to hear their names called on draft night, and multiple running backs and tight ends with draft potential also made appearances.
The Las Vegas Raiders showed up for the future of their franchise
Ten individuals from the Raiders’ front office made the trip to Bloomington, Ind., to watch the future NFL quarterback. The list included head coach Klint Kubiak and general manager John Spytek. Las Vegas was not alone, as all 32 teams were represented at the event. Throughout the broadcast, Spytek could be seen grinning after Mendoza’s continuous string of on-target throws.
Mendoza threw 56 passes during his scripted performance, completing 53 of them. Though deep passes were limited, most found their receiver in stride. The showcase left little doubt about his arm talent, and Spytek’s reaction on the sideline said as much. While Mendoza is not an elite athlete and does not possess generational arm strength, his pinpoint accuracy is precisely the trait the Silver and Black have been searching for.
D’Angelo Ponds stole the show with his 40-yard dash
While Fernando Mendoza did not run at the Indiana Pro Day, scouts found plenty to be excited about in his speedy teammate, D’Angelo Ponds. The undersized cornerback plays with a fearless style, excelling in press man coverage while also proving to be a willing tackler despite weighing just 170 pounds. The Raiders, who could use depth in the defensive backfield next season, would be wise to take notice.
Ponds entered the day projected as a Day 2 pick, but a blazing 4.31-second 40-yard dash will likely push his stock even higher.
Even if Ponds does not end up in Las Vegas, one thing is certain: Fernando Mendoza will be cheering him on, as he has always done for his teammates. On April 24, everything becomes official, and No. 15 will become synonymous with Raider Nation.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images