Maxx Crosby’s one-word assessment of Fernando Mendoza fuels Raiders’ fans NFL Draft frenzy

Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the future of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Selecting the Indiana Hoosiers quarterback with the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft will signal a new era for the struggling Sin City franchise.

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Klint Kubiak has already been brought in as the new head coach, coming off Super Bowl glory as offensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks.

Free agency has allowed the Raiders to bring in pieces ahead of Mendoza’s arrival, including the NFL‘s highest-paid center, Tyler Linderbaum.

He’s already sent his next quarterback, presumed to be the Indiana prospect, a clear message.

The biggest star in Las Vegas has previously shared his honest opinion about what Mendoza could bring to Vegas, too.

Maxx Crosby shared opinion of Fernando Mendoza ahead of NFL Draft

Just 12 days ago, Maxx Crosby had packed his bags, and was set to join the Baltimore Ravens in a blockbuster trade.

But the deal fell through, and the defensive end will be staying put in Sin City.

Despite being one of the NFL’s most terrifying game-breakers, Crosby’s career to date has been disappointing on a team level.

He’s been to the postseason just once in seven years, and has never been on the winning side in a playoff game.

The veteran believes Mendoza is the man who can help turn that around.

“I don’t know him at all, so I can’t speculate on that, but I will say his interviews… unbelievable,” Crosby told the Let’s Go podcast back in January.

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“The first one, when they beat Ohio State in the Big 10 championship, I’m not gonna lie, I was not expecting that at all, but that was one of the funniest things I have ever seen.

“It was so genuine and hilarious at the same time, but you could just tell he’s a winner.”

Crosby went on to predict that the ‘unique’ Mendoza is the kind of player Las Vegas needs.

“He’s gonna have an incredible career in the NFL,” the 28-year-old continued.

“Yeah, he’s hell of a player, man. His story is unique.

“He wasn’t the biggest recruit or anything like that, but he’s built himself into a Heisman winner… it’s incredible.”

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Crosby, then, appears excited about the prospect of Mendoza landing in Sin City come April.

And that wasn’t the first time he’s spoken highly of the Hoosiers prospect.

Maxx Crosby has been all-in on Fernando Mendoza for months

In December 2025, as the Raiders slipped towards the 3-14 record that secured them the top draft pick behind HC Pete Carroll and veteran QB Geno Smith, Crosby gushed over the college QB.

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“He’s talented,” the NFL star told his Rush podcast.

“He’s a big quarterback. He could make all the big throws.

“An underrated athlete. So big shout out to him. And his speeches are all time.”

Fast-forward three months, and Mendoza looks set to link up with Crosby in Las Vegas.

The veteran pass-rusher will be expecting big things from his rookie teammate from Day 1, and perhaps has his sights set on a return to the playoffs after a four-year absence.

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