Raiders GM’s comments on No. 1 draft pick put Fernando Mendoza on notice with team urged to pivot

Fernando Mendoza has just received some crucial information ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Despite deciding against throwing at the NFL Combine this year, his name is still very much hot topic.

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Mendoza is the top quarterback in this year’s class after leading the Indiana Hoosiers to their first undefeated season in history.

The Las Vegas Raiders own the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, and general manager John Spytek’s comments at the Combine are sure to put Mendoza on notice.

Spytek reveals attributes he desires from franchise quarterback

After adding what could be a generational tight end in Brock Bowers in the first round two years ago, and highly rated running back Ashton Jeanty last year, the Raiders will be hoping 2026 will mark the next step in their rebuild.

Las Vegas earned the first overall selection after finishing the season 3-14.

The Geno Smith experiment failed miserably, and Pete Carroll was let go after just one year as head coach.

The Raiders have 10 picks in the upcoming draft, but the first overall selection is the most important, and they are expected to select Mendoza.

Spytek gave an insight into what he looks for in a franchise quarterback.

“A leader, tough as hell. Somebody that loves to play football, maniacal preparer,” he said at the Combine on Tuesday.

“Obviously, someone who can throw the ball well. I think just somebody that loves the game and will give everything to their teammates, a selfless person.

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“Somebody that is going to give their team everything that they’ve got every time they are out there.

“Prepare the right way, lead the right way. I think there is a great humility and selflessness that is required to play that position at a high level.”

Mendoza has already made his feelings clear on the Raiders, and his attention is now on making the step up to the NFL.

Many of Spytek’s desired traits match the endorsements Mendoza has received so far.

Former linebacker Brian Jones labelled Mendoza as a ‘pros pro‘, and the youngster is touted to make an immediate impact.

Jones would also compare Mendoza’s IQ to Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback to play the game, who just so happens to be a minority owner of the Raiders

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Raiders urged to pivot away from Mendoza

All of the ingredients are there for the Raiders to turn a page and start a new era, but there are still some concerns over Mendoza.

Colin Cowherd believes the Raiders culture won’t be a good fit for the Mendoza.

Other concerns center around the Mendoza’s ceiling, and what his NFL comparison is.

Sportswriter Danny Perkins has explained why he believes the Raiders should investigate passing on the quarterback and trading the first pick.

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During a recent segment on FS1’s First Things First, Parkins said: “Given how many holes the Raiders have, and given the comp for Mendoza seems to be a Jared Goff type who’s a little faster with a little worse arm… that can miss.”

As always, chatter and rumours will persist until draft day.

Until then, with this new information in his pocket, Mendoza can continue to prepare for the step up into the games biggest spotlight.

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