Analyst reveals 'biggest flaw' that could worry Raiders about Fernando Mendoza

Both during and after the recent NFL Scouting Combine, some suggested that Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza is a "good, not great" prospect who wouldn't have been the first overall pick of the 2025, 2024 or 2023 NFL Draft. 

Nevertheless, most expect that the Las Vegas Raiders will happily make Mendoza the top choice of the upcoming player-selection process on the night of April 23.

For a piece published on Wednesday, Ted Nguyen of The Athletic touched upon what the game film shows about Mendoza's strengths and weaknesses. 

What does Fernando Mendoza need to fix as a pro QB?

"The biggest flaw in his game is a tendency to hold the ball while not sensing backside pressure," Nguyen explained. "There were times he had open receivers downfield or his check-down open, and he would hesitate and take a sack. His negative play rate — something that tends to be difficult to improve on in the pros — is a red flag. ...He has to realize that he won’t be able to use his legs as much in the NFL. He’ll have to get rid of the ball quickly more consistently."

Former quarterback and current analyst Dan Orlovsky surprised members of the football community when he said in late February that Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson produced "significantly more impressive" game film than some of Mendoza's. A subsequent report revealed that multiple people said during the scouting combine that Mendoza is not a "can’t-miss franchise maker." 

That said, there's no indication the Raiders will sell the No. 1 pick or use it to land a proven commodity such as Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson. The apparent hope among those within the Raiders is that recently hired head coach and advertised offensive guru Klint Kubiak will unlock Mendoza's full potential. 

Why Fernando Mendoza can succeed with Raiders

"Mendoza’s football IQ, ability to quickly translate on the field what he’s taught and work ethic, combined with his physical traits, make him worthy of the top pick of the draft," Nguyen added. "He needs to make some adjustments to his game — get rid of the ball quicker and learn to play under center — and his transition to the NFL game won’t be as easy as some think, but he has all the traits necessary to excel in Kubiak’s scheme."

Interested teams have well over a month to blow the Raiders away with a "'Godfather' offer" for the Mendoza pick. It's unclear what Vegas would want to pass on the chance to draft a potential long-term franchise quarterback.