Fernando Mendoza: HE15MAN and 2026 NFL Draft QB1

Fernando Mendoza’s Draft Profile

Throughout his first season in the Big Ten, Mendoza has proven he belongs—and that he can play at an NFL level. A natural leader, he displays exceptional decision-making that shines during critical two-minute drills. Mendoza’s toughness stands out, as he consistently stays poised in the pocket, absorbing hits to deliver precise throws. He handles pressure with maturity, using subtle movements to evade defenders and relying on his athleticism to throw accurately on the move. His pocket awareness is excellent, and his arm strength allows him to make the kind of deep, difficult throws that few quarterbacks can. Altogether, Mendoza’s combination of composure, toughness, and talent cements his status as one of the top draft prospects in his class.

QB1 and No.1 in the Draft?

Fernando Mendoza has clearly separated himself from the rest of the quarterbacks in his class and will enter the draft as the unanimous QB1. However, the conversation around him being the first overall pick is a bit more complicated. Caleb Downs, a safety from Ohio State, and Rueben Bain Jr., an edge rusher from Miami, are two prospects consistently ranked ahead of Mendoza on most big boards. While many analysts believe those two are the better overall players, that doesn’t necessarily mean Mendoza will slide down the draft order.

Currently, the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans all sit at 1-7, creating a three-way tie for the number one overall pick in the upcoming draft. Each team has different needs. The Saints and Jets are both in the market for a quarterback, while the Titans just drafted their franchise guy last year. That means if Tennessee ends up with the top pick, there’s no chance Mendoza is selected. However, if the Saints or Jets secure it, there’s a strong likelihood Mendoza could be the next face of one of those franchises.

The question surrounding Mendoza’s chances of going first overall has less to do with his talent and more to do with which team holds the pick. His talent speaks for itself; Mendoza has established himself as a player fully capable of going first overall. It’s simply a matter of the right team ending up in a position to call his name. He’s already a popular selection in 2026 NFL mock drafts, and for good reason.

Early 2026 Dynasty Rookie Rankings