(KTNV) — Fernando Mendoza added another accolade to his extensive football resume on Wednesday at Indiana's pro day — showing out for the Las Vegas Raiders.
With the Raiders having the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, general manager John Spytek and new head coach Klint Kubiak were both in attendance to watch Mendoza.
At NFL owners' meetings earlier this week, Spytek and Kubiak said they wanted to see how Mendoza threw the ball live and reacted in high-pressure situations with all 32 NFL teams in attendance.
Mendoza completed the majority of his passes, including this head-turning dime to EJ Williams.
NEW: Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the throw of the DAY…
— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) April 1, 2026
Mendoza uncorked this deep ball to EJ Williams.
Absolutely money 😳 pic.twitter.com/AJHDOK8kZx
In an interview with NFL Network's Rhett Lewis, Mendoza made his case to the Raiders on what he would bring to the Silver and Black.
"No matter all of the praise and all of the speculation of me being the number one overall pick, I am going to be the same Fernando," Mendoza said. "I am going to be authentic, I am going to serve my teammates, be a servant leader, I am going to build equity within my team, and by equity, I mean you have to play well, and second off, build relationships with my teammates, working hard and caring about them. I am going to prepare like no other, and I am going to try to be the best me I can possibly become, the best for my teammates."
The NFL Draft kicks off at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23.
-
Raiders now top candidate for first overall draft pick
Raider Nation was loud and proud at Sunday's home game against the New York Giants, despite the 34-10 loss that made the Silver and Black the top candidate for the first pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
Raiders place Brocks Bowers and Jeremy Chinn on season-ending injured reserve
The Raiders and Giants, both 2-13, meet Sunday in Las Vegas with the losing team having the inside track to the top pick in next year's NFL draft.
Texans extend winning streak to 7 with 23-21 victory over Raiders
Houston's struggles Sunday in a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders left some on the Texans top-ranked defense feeling a bit disappointed.
Raider Claus brings holiday cheer to Raider Nation — and beyond
Michael Parker, known as “Raider Claus,” has become a holiday staple for Raider Nation. From Oakland tailgates to Raiders charity events, this fan spreads joy every December in black and silver.
