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Former Scout’s Low Ranking Of Fernando Mendoza Sparks Major NFL Draft Controversy

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza smiling
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

Former Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza has been penciled in as the number one quarterback and player in the draft for months. Not everybody feels the same way.

The Raiders, barring another team making an unorthodox offer to trade up for the No. 1 pick, are planning to select him as their franchise leader in April’s NFL draft. The 2026 NFL Draft does not feature a strong class of quarterback prospects. But with Fernando Mendoza likely to go No. 1, he seems like a sure-fire player to take.

However, at least one person doesn’t think that he is the top player. A former NFL scout is sparking controversy with his ranking of Fernando Mendoza. The scout has him ranked No. 7 among all of the top quarterback prospects.

The former NFL scout compares Mendoza to a game manager.

This is the list that he has:

QB1 Carson Beck
QB2 Drew Allar
QB3 Cade Klubnik
QB4 Jalon Daniels
QB5 Ty Simpson
QB6 Garrett Nussmeier
QB7 Fernando Mendoza

Would The Raiders Think About Trading Out of The No. 1 Pick To Allow Another Team to Take Fernando Mendoza?

Fernando Mendoza Turns Into Punching Bag After Curt Cignetti Bars Him From Indiana Facilities
Fernando Mendoza (Image Credits: Imagn)

Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza should be taken number one overall in a few months. But, will it be the Raiders? Mendoza spent a lone season with Indiana, going 273 of 379 for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns with six interceptions. The Junior quarterback established himself as the best quarterback in college football.

The Raiders have received warnings about Mendoza’s ability to translate his game into the pros. However, it seems hard to pass up on a guy who just had the type of undefeated season that he put together. It would take a hell of a haul to get the Raiders out of that spot.

After hiring Klint Kubiak as head coach, many have talked about the Raiders’ options with the first overall selection.

On Fox Sports’ “First Thing First,” Danny Parkins urged the Raiders to trade the No. 1 pick and get a huge haul in return. “Given how many holes the Raiders have, and given the comp for Mendoza seems to be a Jared Goff type who’s a little faster with a little worse arm… that can miss,” Parkins argued.

A haul of draft picks and a top-notch player would have to be the minimum for the Raiders to not take Fernando Mendoza. Who is desperate enough to do it?

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