How much does Fernando Mendoza not throwing at NFL Combine matter?

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza has been the hot topic of discussion at the NFL Combine this week. While most news about him is positive, there are several critics out there questioning Mendoza’s choice not to throw at the combine.

Former NFL scout Daniel Kelly stated that "of course Fernando Mendoza wants to avoid being exposed with receivers he is unfamiliar with in an unfamiliar environment."

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky did not openly criticize Mendoza for not throwing in the combine; his suggestions indicate why Mendoza may not want to.

"There wasn’t a ton of big time throws," Orlovsky said while breaking down Mendoza’s tape from earlier in the season. "Through the first eight games of the season, Ty Simpson’s tape from Alabama is significantly more impressive than Fernando Mendoza’s."

How much does the NFL Combine really matter?

Some coaches and analysts put a lot of stock into the NFL Combine. For years, it has been the final metric that helps coaches and general managers determine their draft plans. But does the combine hurt draft stock that much? Recent history may suggest the opposite.

Kyler Murray did not throw at the combine in 2019 and still went No. 1 overall. Joe Burrow skipped throwing in 2020 and went No. 1 overall. Caleb Williams opted out of drills in 2024 and was selected at the top of the draft. Jayden Daniels also did not throw and was drafted high in 2024.

The pattern is clear. Quarterbacks coming off elite college seasons often have more to lose than gain in a scripted throwing session with unfamiliar receivers. One slightly off-rhythm workout can dominate headlines despite having little relevance to actual game performance.

The game is not played in shorts inside a dome. It is played with an offensive line, defensive pressure and live decision-making. Mendoza has demonstrated he can operate within structure and execute against real defenses.

Draft-day decisions are made on tape

Critics have every right to question the optics, as it creates narratives and brings attention to their platforms. But recent draft history has shown that skipping a scripted throwing session does not necessarily define where a quarterback should be picked up in an NFL Draft. 

It also does not dictate whether a player will be a long-term franchise quarterback. The front offices of NFL teams have ample tape of Mendoza to make an informed decision come draft day. Mendoza and other elite quarterbacks’ evaluations occurred from August until January, not on a practice field in February while wearing shorts.