Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (QB11) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Fernando Mendoza offers major NFL Draft news

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 3:14 PM ET

Fernando Mendoza, in all likelihood, is going to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft , and spent Tuesday on an official top-30 visit with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Turns out, Mendoza might not be hitting the road again until reporting to Raiders rookie minicamp after the draft.

NFL Draft: Fernando Mendoza visits Las Vegas Raiders

According to a report from the NFL Network, Mendoza doesn’t plan to take any more visits to any other team facilities. In all likelihood, the Raiders spent more time discussing a potential contract with Mendoza than putting him through any sort of workout, given that the former Indiana standout is the lone true franchise quarterback prospect in this year’s class, and all but earmarked to hear his name called first overall.

“I worry about his lack of quick twitch,” an NFL quarterbacks coach recently said of Mendoza, via Between The Hashmarks. “But other than that, he’s a solid prospect and quarterback.”

Mendoza will land in Las Vegas without the pressure to start immediately, after the Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins in recent days, which will allow the national championship-winning quarterback to develop behind the scenes before inheriting an offense called by new head coach Klint Kubiak, heralded by running back Ashton Jeanty, tight end Brock Bowers, among other pieces the Raiders will look to add around him during the upcoming draft.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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