Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady has weighed in on his opinion of Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a potential top pick for the 2026 NFL Draft. According to Brady, Mendoza has played outstanding all season, leading his team to a 16-0 record and winning the Heisman Trophy. However, Brady believes that Mendoza still has room for growth and development, as "nobody's a finished product."
Mendoza's impressive statistics this season, including 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 72% completion rate, have garnered significant attention. The 6-foot-5 quarterback also showcased his athleticism by rushing for 276 yards and seven scores.
While Mendoza's accomplishments are notable, Brady emphasized that it's what Mendoza can do at the next level that matters most. "I don't care whether you've won the Heisman or you're the 199th pick in the draft... How important is this to you? Are you obsessed with your job?" Brady asked.
For Brady, who went undrafted but ultimately became a six-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback, it's not about accolades or achievements. "It's what do you do when you get there," he explained. "How well can you play in tough conditions? How well can you play under pressure?"
Mendoza seems to share similar sentiments, expressing admiration for the Raiders organization and their coaching staff. He also mentioned that he would be happy to end his college career anywhere.
While Mendoza's comments suggest a strong affinity with the Raiders, it remains to be seen whether Brady will ultimately draft him with the No. 1 overall pick. NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler predicts that Mendoza is likely to be chosen by the Raiders, citing his talent and potential to become a productive NFL starter for a long time.
Ultimately, the question on everyone's mind is: Will the Las Vegas Raiders take a chance on Mendoza with the top pick? Only time will tell.
Mendoza's impressive statistics this season, including 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 72% completion rate, have garnered significant attention. The 6-foot-5 quarterback also showcased his athleticism by rushing for 276 yards and seven scores.
While Mendoza's accomplishments are notable, Brady emphasized that it's what Mendoza can do at the next level that matters most. "I don't care whether you've won the Heisman or you're the 199th pick in the draft... How important is this to you? Are you obsessed with your job?" Brady asked.
For Brady, who went undrafted but ultimately became a six-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback, it's not about accolades or achievements. "It's what do you do when you get there," he explained. "How well can you play in tough conditions? How well can you play under pressure?"
Mendoza seems to share similar sentiments, expressing admiration for the Raiders organization and their coaching staff. He also mentioned that he would be happy to end his college career anywhere.
While Mendoza's comments suggest a strong affinity with the Raiders, it remains to be seen whether Brady will ultimately draft him with the No. 1 overall pick. NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler predicts that Mendoza is likely to be chosen by the Raiders, citing his talent and potential to become a productive NFL starter for a long time.
Ultimately, the question on everyone's mind is: Will the Las Vegas Raiders take a chance on Mendoza with the top pick? Only time will tell.
... Brady's been in that shoes before and knows how it feels when you're hyped but still got work to do 
. Mendoza seems legit though, 3,535 yards is crazy! but Brady's right, winning Heisman doesn't mean squat if u can't handle the pressure... will be interesting to see what happens with this draft 
. plus, brady went through the same struggles and came out on top, so i gotta respect that 
. but at the end of the day, it's up to dane brugler to make that call 
Mendoza seems cool tho, might be a solid pick for the Raiders... we'll just have to wait and see what they decide 
and I have to ask... what's the deal with the Heisman Trophy 
? is it like, super prestigious or something? I mean, I've heard of it before but I don't really know how it works. like, does winning it guarantee a spot in the NFL or something?
that's insane! I wish I could be that good at sports 
The Raiders are definitely taking a chance on him with the top pick, and only time will tell if they're right 
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Tom Brady knows what he's talking about, the guy's a legend 
and if he thinks Mendoza has room for growth, i'm all in 
? and yeah Dane Brugler says he's gonna be the no.1 pick, let's just hope it happens 
