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“This guy is an absolute guaranteed bust”: Ex-Jets scout warns Raiders over picking Fernando Mendoza as No.1 pick in 2026 NFL Draft


The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft after his Heisman-winning season.

However, former New York Jets scout Daniel Kelly warned the Raiders about selecting the Indiana quarterback on Fox Sports Radio’s “Straight Fire” podcast.

Kelly outlined Mendoza’s weakness to pass under pressure, which would be tested with the Raiders, who have allowed the second-highest sacks over the last two seasons.

“Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders,” Kelly said. “It blows my mind as an evaluator, because this is a Raiders team that’s given up the second-most sacks in the National Football League over the last two years. … Right now, we’re going to put him in the NFL and the worst team, supposedly with a team that’s given up all these sacks to me, is an absolute guaranteed recipe for disaster.

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“I have a fourth-round value right now in Mendoza in terms of what his colleagues did. Fernando Mendoza and the first three rounds, not the first round. But the first three rounds, this guy is an absolute guaranteed bust.”

Mendoza had his career-best season in 2025, leading the Hoosiers to their first-ever National Championship. He passed for 3,535 yards and threw 41 touchdowns and six interceptions.

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NFL analyst ranks Notre Dame RB over potential Raiders pick Fernando Mendoza

While Fernando Mendoza is widely regarded as the top offensive player available at this year’s NFL draft, FOX Sports’ Rob Rang ranks Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love over the Hoosiers quarterback.

“With all due respect to Heisman Trophy winner and likely No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, Love is the best offensive prospect in this class – and frankly, I don’t think it’s particularly close,” Rang wrote.

Rang also cast doubt over Mendoza’s arm strength and his ability to make dynamic runs against NFL defenses.