Fernando Mendoza Enters NFL Draft; Talent Evaluations Roll In
Fernando Mendoza, a standout quarterback from Indiana University, has officially declared for the NFL Draft. This announcement makes him one of the most anticipated players for the upcoming draft scheduled for 2026.
Fernando Mendoza Declares for NFL Draft
At 22 years old, Mendoza shared his declaration on Instagram, saying, “Let’s get to work.” His achievement as a Heisman Trophy winner and quarterback during the National Championship sets high expectations for his future.
Comparisons to NFL Stars
Mendoza joins a unique group of players, including Joe Burrow and Cam Newton, who also won the Heisman Trophy, a national championship, and were selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. A successful transition to the NFL would require considerable effort and preparation.
NFL Scouting Combine Approaches
He is slated to begin training for the NFL Scouting Combine, which runs from February 23 to March 2. During this event, Mendoza is expected to meet with various NFL teams, notably the Las Vegas Raiders, who currently hold the No. 1 overall pick.
Scouting Reports and Evaluations
The evaluation process for Mendoza will involve feedback from numerous scouting outlets, both professional and amateur. Initial opinions about his performance have been mixed, with comparisons to other notable quarterbacks.
- Scouts have compared him to Sam Darnold and Jared Goff, both of whom were top draft picks.
- Critics note that Mendoza often relies on predetermined throws in a heavy run-pass option offense.
- Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel praised Mendoza’s skills, likening him to Tom Brady after a particularly impressive touchdown run against the University of Miami.
Career Highlights
During his college tenure, Mendoza completed 68.6% of his passes and displayed accuracy in high-stakes games. He threw eight touchdown passes with minimal incompletions in key playoff performances against Alabama and Oregon. His arm strength is rated as functional, and while he’s not expected to be a dual-threat quarterback, his work ethic and intelligence stand out.
As Mendoza prepares for the NFL Draft, he aims to transform his collegiate success into a promising professional career, while navigating the expectations set by scouts and fans alike.
