NFL Draft: Who is Fernando Mendoza? Cuban-American tipped to go first overall as Raiders poised to bet big on quarterback

Cuban-American quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who guided Indiana to a national college football championship, is widely projected to be the No. 1 overall selection when the NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday. The 91st edition of the draft will take place in Pittsburgh over three days, with 257 players expected to be chosen across seven rounds from the pool of eligible talent.

The Las Vegas Raiders hold the top pick, followed by the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns. The Raiders are actively seeking a franchise quarterback after finishing last season with a 3–14 record, extending their playoff drought to four straight years and 21 appearances in the last 23 seasons. Their last postseason win came during their Super Bowl triumph in 2003.

Mendoza, who captured the Heisman Trophy as the standout player in college football, played a key role in leading the Hoosiers to an undefeated season and their first-ever national title. He finished the year completing 273 of 379 passes for 3,535 yards, throwing 41 touchdowns against just six interceptions, while also adding 276 rushing yards and seven scores on 90 carries.



Ahead of the draft, Mendoza held discussions with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, the legendary NFL quarterback and seven-time Super Bowl champion.

"He has mentioned that whatever quarterback they select... he is going to pour into them and give them advice," Mendoza said as quoted by Reuters. "So I'm looking forward to that if I get selected to the Raiders."

Mendoza is being viewed as a potential successor to Mexican-American quarterback Jim Plunkett, who became the first Hispanic player ever taken with the No. 1 overall pick when New England selected him in 1971. Plunkett later carved out a celebrated legacy with the Raiders, helping them capture Super Bowl titles in 1981 and 1984.


Unlike many top prospects, Mendoza will not be present at the NFL Draft. Instead, he plans to watch the proceedings from home in Miami alongside his family, a decision influenced in part by his mother’s battle with multiple sclerosis, reported the news agency.

Although the Raiders, who last held the first overall pick in 2007, have not officially confirmed their intentions, they have not moved to dismiss growing speculation that Mendoza could be their choice.

At quarterback, the Raiders currently have veteran Kirk Cousins along with a backup option, a setup that could allow any incoming rookie time to develop gradually rather than being thrust immediately into a starting role.