NFL analyst makes feelings on Raiders' possible Fernando Mendoza, Lamar Jackson dilemma clear

Back in January, a report revealed that unnamed "NFL people" view Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as "a worthy" first-round draft selection who "is not seen as at the same level as guys like Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence or Caleb Williams." 

That did little to silence those who have suggested that the Las Vegas Raiders should pursue a trade for Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson instead of making Mendoza the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

For his mock draft posted on Wednesday, ESPN NFL analyst Field Yates shared why Raiders minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek shouldn't lose sleep over grabbing Mendoza with the No. 1 choice of the upcoming player-selection process. 

Why Fernando Mendoza can succeed for Raiders where others have failed

"As the Raiders embark upon a new era with Klint Kubiak at head coach, Mendoza is the ideal partner to pair with him," Yates explained. "He had a remarkable season in 2025, displaying elite accuracy and overall arm talent to throw to all levels of the field. He improved his pocket awareness and was fantastic in clutch moments, leading the Hoosiers to their first undefeated record and a national championship. Mendoza brings a strong frame and in-pocket mobility with enough creativity to handle duress out of structure. And his quick-processing skills point to a successful starting NFL QB." 

A recent report claimed that star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby has told Brady that "he will never play for the Raiders again," in part because Crosby allegedly doesn't want to go through "another rebuild" with the club. Landing Jackson would accelerate such a process for Vegas, as the two-time regular-season Most Valuable Player Award winner is a 29-year-old in his prime. 

Previous reports linked Jackson with the Raiders, but new Ravens head coach Jesse Minter insisted in late January that he was looking forward to building "a great relationship with" Jackson. That said, questions about Jackson's future will continue to hover over the Ravens until the team announces that he has signed a contract extension.  

Field Yates pours cold water over Fernando Mendoza worry 

Fellow ESPN personality Ben Solak recently asked Yates why Raiders fans shouldn't think that Mendoza is more of a "one-season wonder" than a long-term answer for an NFL franchise. 

"Is he perfect? No," Yates said about Mendoza. "Is any quarterback prospect perfect? No. But to me, not only do I think it's obvious that [Mendoza] is the No. 1 pick in the draft. I think he is the best player in the draft. Period, full stop." 

By all accounts, the Brady-led Raiders will ultimately agree with such assessments later this spring.