Raiders GM John Spytek sends indirect message to Fernando Mendoza while describing a franchise quarterback

According to Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk, Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday that he will "always listen" to offers for the first overall pick of the upcoming draft. 

That said, numerous members of the football community seem convinced that Spytek has already decided to take Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza with pick No. 1 on the night of April 23. 

Per Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' website, Spytek was asked during his media availability about his definition of a franchise quarterback. Some understandably may feel that Spytek offered a hint regarding his plans via his answer. 

Fernando Mendoza learns what Raiders will want him to be

"A leader, tough as hell, somebody that loves to play football, maniacal preparer," Spytek said about what he wants in a QB1. "Obviously, somebody that can throw the ball well, but I think just somebody that loves the game and will give everything to their teammates. A selfless person. Somebody that's going to give their team everything that they got every time that they're out there, prepare the right way, lead the right way. I think there's a great humility and selflessness required to play that position at a high level."

Multiple stories from the first two months of 2026 suggest that Spytek was either intentionally or unintentionally describing Mendoza. For an article published on Monday, draft analyst Todd McShay of The Ringer told Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated that Mendoza is seen as a "super football nerd" who "lives the game." Later on Monday, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. named Mendoza his top overall prospect of the 2026 draft class. 

What are some "intangibles" John Spytek wants in players for Raiders? 

Earlier in February, one NFL executive told Hondo Carpenter of Sports Illustrated that Mendoza's intangibles "are off the charts" and that Mendoza will be "the face of your franchise." On Tuesday, Spytek addressed the traits he wants Raiders players to possess. 

"Humility," Spytek said. "A great passion to play the game of football. It's such a hard game. Your competitive spirit has to run really high. You've got to be willing to play through a bunch of tough circumstances. And, you know, to me, it always goes back to the love of the game. The guys that love, truly love the game of football. They love to practice. They love to prepare. They love to watch film."

It certainly sounds like Mendoza checks all of Spytek's boxes. Whether or not Spytek will truly consider trading the Mendoza pick if the Raiders receive a so-called "'Godfather' offer" for that asset shall be seen.