The 2025 Heisman winner, Fernando Mendoza, is creating quite a buzz in the NFL draft. With projections pointing towards him as the No.1 pick, the Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly eyeing him for their first overall selection.
NFL insider Jason La Canfora has revealed that the Raiders, backed by minority owner Tom Brady, are set on acquiring Mendoza in the draft. The franchise seems determined not to trade this pick, as they see the opportunity to secure a potential franchise quarterback in Mendoza.
“The Raiders believe their future hinges on pairing Mendoza with rookie head coach Klint Kubiak, known for his expertise in developing quarterbacks and calling offensive plays,” Canfora wrote. The team is keen on revamping their struggling offense with Mendoza at the helm.
Moreover, the Raiders have lacked a consistently elite quarterback since Rich Gannon’s MVP-winning days in the early 2000s. With Tom Brady now part of the ownership group, securing a franchise quarterback like Mendoza has become a top priority for the team.
The Raiders had a tough 2025 season under coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith, finishing last in the AFC West with a 3-14 record. After parting ways with Carroll, the team appointed Klint Kubiak as the new head coach, fresh off a Super Bowl win as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator.
On the other hand, Mendoza led the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated national championship in 2025, showcasing his talent with 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns. His Heisman win further solidifies his status as the top prospect in the draft.
However, not everyone is convinced of Mendoza’s fit with Kubiak’s offense. Analyst Colin Cowherd raised concerns about the Raiders’ impulsive ownership and the division’s coaching competition. He questioned whether Mendoza, who lacks the athleticism of other top quarterbacks, can thrive under Kubiak’s guidance.
As the draft approaches, the spotlight remains on Mendoza and the Raiders, as they aim to address their long-standing quarterback issues with the talented prospect. It will be interesting to see how this storyline unfolds in the coming weeks.
The article was edited by Priyam Hazarika.
