Fernando Mendoza showed why he is the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in this month’s NFL draft during his pro day on Wednesday, which drew representatives from all 32 NFL teams to Bloomington, Indiana.
The former Hoosiers quarterback completed 53 of his 56 throws on Wednesday, which included completing his first 23 passes, according to NFL Network.
The outlet reported that his only true off-target pass of the day came when he slightly overthrew on a “go” route.
It would seem that Mendoza made a good impression on the Raiders brass that was in attendance on Wednesday, with the organization that holds the first overall pick sending 10 representatives — including general manager John Spytek and head coach Klint Kubiak.
“I feel like it went great,” Mendoza told reporters. “You know quarterbacks have passed, have done shorter pro days than that. However, I just wanted to make sure everybody could showcase their abilities in front of all 32 NFL teams and really run routes that are applicable to the timing we’re going to be running in the NFL.”
Mendoza is coming off a stellar season, one in which he took the country by storm through his humble and wholesome personality off the field and his fierce ability to step up in big moments on it.
He became the first Indiana player to ever win a Heisman Trophy and helped lead the program to its first-ever national championship in football.
Mendoza had completed 72 percent of his passes in his final collegiate season and threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns.
All of which has put him in position to be the top pick in this year’s draft, though he knows he’s still got plenty to learn once he reaches the NFL.
“I’m putting all of my efforts toward just trying to be the best quarterback possible for the season,” Mendoza said. “But I know at the next level, there’s going to be a lot more snaps under center and that’s a big adjustment. I need to get used to that and just the nature of the game. Not only that, the hash [marks] are more condensed and the speed of the game is faster. So all those things, I look forward to learning.”
Mendoza has met with the Raiders twice already.
Las Vegas has the No. 1 pick after going 3-14 during an abysmal season in 2025.
The NFL draft is slated to take place in Pittsburgh beginning on Thursday, April 23, at Acrisure Stadium.
