Fernando Mendoza handed worrying outlook as NFL experts endorse rival

Mar 24, 2026 - 16:00

The Raiders are preparing to enter a new era.

Las Vegas have been amongst the most active teams in NFL free agency thus far, headlined by the additions of Tyler Linderbaum and Jalen Nailor.

General manager John Spytek of the Las Vegas Raiders speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. — The Raiders have been active this offseason in preparation for the 2026 NFL Draft

As well as keeping Maxx Crosby, the Raiders have filled multiple crucial holes from the roster that finished 3-14 in 2025.

One of the only advantages of their disappointing campaign was it landed them the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, in which they are expected to select Fernando Mendoza.

The former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback has been highly touted by scouts and analysts, and looks to be the closest thing to a franchise quarterback that the draft has seen in recent years.

But not all people see him the same way. He has already faced criticism for not participating in the NFL Combine.

NFL analyst Greg Cossell shared an extensive breakdown of Mendoza ahead of the draft, which begins next month.

Cossell credited the 22-year-old for many of the things he does well, but also noted how Mendoza needs to work on his throwing tempo, pocket awareness, throw power and ability to deliver the ball on third-down.

Mendoza enjoyed the perfect collegiate season, leading Indiana to national glory, and their first undefeated season in program history.

He threw for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions, while also rushing for 276 yards and seven more scores last season.

Former Jets GM reveals Mendoza narrative is changing

National media have crowned the Heisman Trophy winner as the face of the 2026 NFL Draft, but the narrative is reportedly changing.

Some of that comes courtesy of former New York Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, who piggybacked on Dan Orlovsky’s claims about Mendoza on Monday.

Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes 13-10 in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship — Mendoza’s biggest red-flags have been pointed out by NFL Insider Greg Cosell

Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. — Mendoza enjoyed the perfect college season, but questions have begun to surface as to whether he is the best QB in the class

“I think Ty Simpson is QB1. I think Ty Simpson is the best quarterback on the draft,” Orlovsky said on Monday’s Get Up.

“In talking to clubs, this opinion is shared by other teams as well,” Tannenbaum replied.

Simpson broke out in his sole season as Alabama’s starter, throwing for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns, while also rushing for 93 yards and two more touchdowns.

He led the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff for the first time since the Nick Saban era.

Simpson continues to gain traction ahead of the draft. Durang an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN’s Adam Schefter sounded extremely confident that Simpson will be selected in the first round.

Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks to the media — Simpson broke out in his lone season as a starter, and some have suggested he is the better option than Mendoza.

The young gunslinger has even been identified as a target for the Miami Dolphins, who own the No.11 pick in the first round.

Simpson has also been touted to join Aaron Glenn’s Jets as their search for a long-term QB continues.

As ever, nothing is finalized until Roger Goodell reads the name out on April 23.

Only time will tell where both Mendoza and Simpson both land.

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