A look at the Fernando Mendoza NFL Draft profile, including a scouting report, his college highlights and stats, and a draft projection.
Unless something unforeseen occurs, Fernando Mendoza’s draft position and landing spot are already known. He appears to be a lock to be selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by Tom Brady, Klint Kubiak and the Las Vegas Raiders. A quarterback-friendly offense is getting built in Vegas, but the Raiders will need more than just the services of Mendoza to be competitive. Regardless, he is expected to be a starting quarterback immediately, so you should familiarize yourself with his game.
Let’s take a look at our Fernando Mendoza NFL Draft profile, including his stats, scouting report, college highlights, and more!
Fernando Mendoza NFL Draft Profile 2026
Fernando Mendoza
Position: QB
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 236 lbs
Age: 22
Hand Size: 9.5″
College: Indiana Hoosiers
Fernando Mendoza College Stats 2025
After two seasons at California, Fernando Mendoza transferred to Indiana and had as good of a season as a player could have. He won the Heisman Trophy for his individual efforts, but the Hoosiers also won the National Championship. Here are Mendoza’s college stats this past season.
Games: 16
Passing Yards: 3,535
Passing Touchdowns: 41
Completion Percentage: 72%
Interceptions: 6
Rushing Yards: 276
Rushing Touchdowns: 7
Fernando Mendoza Highlights
When is the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 24, beginning at 8 p.m. ET. The draft will take place in Green Bay, WI, which brings plenty of potential challenges. Only Round 1 will take place on Thursday. Rounds 2-3 will take place on April 25th, with the remaining four rounds wrapping up on Sunday, April 26th. There will be 257 players selected across the seven rounds, with many more getting phone calls immediately afterward.
Fernando Mendoza Scouting Report
Strengths
Many scouts on their Fernando Mendoza NFL Draft scouting report feel he is the best quarterback prospect to come out of college in years, and it is tough to argue with that. He looks like he was built in a lab, with the perfect build and frame. Mendoza is also both a proven winner and a leader. His accuracy is elite while also showcasing a fast release. He works through his progression and delivers it to receivers on time and on target.
Where many college quarterbacks struggle to anticipate windows and throws against zone coverage, Mendoza thrived at this in college. He has the skills that should translate relatively quickly to the next level.
Weaknesses
This is not a fair criticism of Mendoza, but he played with incredible players. Simply, Indiana’s offense was better at nearly every position, creating very easy throws for the Heisman winner on a consistent basis. There is no doubt he benefited from his teammates and the RPO-heavy scheme he played in.
Many are touting Mendoza’s “sneaky” mobility during this draft process. Yes, he is capable of picking up some yards with his legs, but his mobility in the pocket is below average. If he is playing behind a bad offensive line, this will lead to increased contact, off-platform throws and sacks. He especially showcased some issues with pressure up the middle, due to his lack of mobility.
For more 2026 NFL Draft profiles, check out our NFL Draft page!
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Fernando Mendoza NFL Draft Projection | Expert 2026 NFL Mock Draft Projections
It seems like a lock that the Las Vegas Raiders will be selecting Mendoza first overall in the upcoming draft. However, here are the Fernando Mendoza draft projections from ESPN, CBS Sports, The Athletic, USA Today and NFL Network.
| SOURCE | TEAM | RD | PK |
| ESPN | Raiders | 1 | 1 |
| CBS Sports | Raiders | 1 | 1 |
| The Athletic | Raiders | 1 | 1 |
| USA Today | Raiders | 1 | 1 |
| NFL Network | Raiders | 1 | 1 |
Fernando Mendoza Fantasy Football Team Names
Not only will Mendoza be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he will also be an early dynasty fantasy football draft pick, and he could have major relevance in redraft leagues this season as well. If he is on your team, you may want to name it after him! To help you out, we have some Fernando Mendoza fantasy football team names for the 2026 NFL season!
- A Few Good Mendozas
- Between Two Fernandos
- Boyz II Mendoza
- The Mendolorian
- Two & A Half Mendozas
- Bull Dozas
- Mendozas Who Stare At Goats
- Of Mice & Mendoza
- X-Mendoza
- The Mendoza Line
2026 NFL Draft Order | First Round
There is no debate about when Fernando Mendoza will hear his name called. However, here is the full 2026 NFL Draft order for the first round.
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- Arizona Cardinals
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
- Cleveland Browns
- Washington Commanders
- New Orleans Saints
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Miami Dolphins
- Dallas Cowboys
- Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)
- Baltimore Ravens
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New York Jets (via IND)
- Detroit Lions
- Minnesota Vikings
- Carolina Panthers
- Dallas Cowboys (via GB)
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Cleveland Browns (via JAX)
- Chicago Bears
- Buffalo Bills
- San Francisco 49ers
- Houston Texans
- Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR)
- Denver Broncos
- New England Patriots
- Seattle Seahawks
