Skip to main content
Hoosiers Now

Why Las Vegas Raiders Are Good Fit for Indiana Football QB Fernando Mendoza

Fernando Mendoza is projected to be selected by Las Vegas with the top overall pick in April's NFL Draft, and the Raiders are a strong fit for several reasons.
Jared Shlensky|
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) smiles on the podium after the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) smiles on the podium after the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In this story:

Indiana Hoosiers

The NFL Draft is less than two months away, and not a whole lot has changed on the Fernando Mendoza front. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Playoff National Champion is still the clear-cut favorite to go No. 1 overall, and unless Las Vegas trades the top pick, it sure looks like the former Indiana football quarterback will end up with the Raiders.

But is Las Vegas really the best fit for the Indiana quarterback? Maybe not in the short-term, but when you think big-picture and long-term, Vegas is an excellent place for him to end up. Here are a couple of reasons why.

Tom Brady

Do I really need to say anything else? Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time. Brady joined the Raiders as a minority owner in October of 2024 and during that time, it doesn't seem like the seven-time Super Bowl Champion was all that involved in personnel decisions.

But that's likely going to change after Las Vegas went 3-14 last year. A chance to learn from the GOAT could be the best thing for Mendoza's career, which is why he should be keeping his fingers crossed Las Vegas doesn't trade the pick and take him with the top selection.

Best of all, Mendoza grew up a fan of Brady, and it sounds like Brady likes him too. This is a great match for both parties, no matter how bad the Raiders are on paper heading into the draft.

And don't forget to buy the SI Indiana National Championship Cover.

Klint Kubiak

New coach Klint Kubiak is inheriting a dumpster fire with the Raiders, but a guy with Kubiak's offensive background is exactly what Mendoza needs. Kubiak helped Sam Darnold play some of his best football down the stretch and ultimately led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl.

Kubiak knows how to get the best out of his quarterback, and not only is he the son of a former NFL coach, but he's also had a chance to call plays with multiple NFL teams. Kubiak has proven he can adapt to his quarterback's strengths, and I expect him to do exactly that, assuming the Raiders take Mendoza.

The Raiders have some offensive weapons

Even though the Raiders have a ton of holes to fix, there is some talent on the offensive side of the ball. Brock Bowers is one of the best tight ends in the game and running back Ashton Jeanty has the potential to be an All-Pro.

The Raiders need to drastically improve their offensive line if they're going to have any chance of being a .500 team this year, but Vegas has two franchise stars on offense already.

Adding Mendoza to the mix figures to only make them better, which is why Vegas is the perfect fit for not only Mendoza, but for Jeanty and Bowers, too.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Published
Jared Shlensky
JARED SHLENSKY

Home/Football