Fernando Mendoza draws comparisons to iconic Tom Brady rival amid bold Caleb Williams claim

The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner and teams are doing their final preparation ahead of it.

One of those teams will be the Las Vegas Raiders, with a 3-14 regular season record in 2025 earning them the first overall pick in the upcoming draft.

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Throughout the entire offseason, the Raiders have been continuously linked with former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza – the standout player in this year’s class.

There have been some concerns, however, particularly as it pertains to the environment that awaits him in Sin City.

However, there are no on-field concerns when it comes to Mendoza, who are already been compared to Detroit Lions hurler Jared Goff.

That comparison initially drew lukewarm reactions, but draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest player comp is sure to turn heads among Raiders nation for all the right reasons.

“I think what you look at with Fernando is a cross between Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan,” Keiper said on ESPN Radio.

“I’m not a comp guy, because we always comp them to the great guys, but yeah, I see a little Peyton in him. I see a little Matt Ryan in him.

“And keep in mind, people think he’s a one-year wonder. He’s not. At Cal, he was a really good quarterback behind a bad offensive line.

“That’s why he was sacked 41 times. He knew he had to get the ball out quickler, and he improved on that number dramatically at Indiana, when he got a little more help.”

Kiper’s comparison is good news for minority Raiders owner Tom Brady, who reportedly has a big say in Raiders decision-making.

Brady and Manning are both considered to be among the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, and they enjoyed many a battle during their playing days.

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Manning and Brady played each other 17 times, with Brady winning the overall head-to-head series 11-6, but Manning winning the AFC conference championship series 3-1.

NFL insider explains why he would take Mendoza over other young quarterbacks

All offseason Mendoza has been highly touted by scouts and analysts, and for good reason.

He led Indiana to an undefeated season and national championship glory, while also taking home the Heisman Trophy.

He threw for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions, adding seven additional scores on the ground.

Mendoza also led the Hoosiers to several fourth-quarter comebacks in tough and hostile college football environments.

It’s why NFL analyst Joel Klatt would have Mendoza over a good portion of current young quarterbacks, including Chicago Bears star Caleb Williams.

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“I think I would take Mendoza,” Klatt said as he listed Caleb Williams and Cam Ward on ‘The Joel Klatt Show’. 

“Mendoza in crunch time is unbelievable. He anticipates, is accurate, smart and a great teammate. He checks every single box.”

NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay, meanwhile, believes that the debate is between Mendoza and just one other quarterback.

“It would come down to Mendoza and [Patriots QB] Drake Maye, maybe,” McShay said. “I’m armed with what I’ve seen in the NFL, which isn’t fair. But if we’re talking about college careers, absolutely, 1,000%.

“But even knowing what I know in the NFL, I still may [pick Mendoza]. He’s different.

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