Fernando Mendoza's Pro Day Should Settle Any Raiders' QB1 Debate

The presumed first overall pick impressed as the Las Vegas Raiders look to turn a new page

Fernando Mendoza participates in Indiana University's Pro Day at Mellencamp Pavilion on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders are set to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the 2026 NFL Draft. Owning the first overall pick, the franchise has already made a variety of moves to onboard Mendoza as soon as possible.

Decisions to trade away quarterback Geno Smith while signing center Tyler Linderbaum to a record-setting extension have set the Raiders up to utilize Mendoza's first few years in the NFL to capitalize on his prorated rookie deal.

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (QB11) poses with former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

However, a minority of NFL draft analysts believe that Ty Simpson should strongly be considered for the top spot. On top of that, there's the belief that the Raiders should utalize the veteran free agent market for a bridge quarterback to help Mendoza adjust to the NFL.

The majority of the noise is still predicated on Mendoza becoming the Raiders' QB1 as soon as he's selected. After his pro day, there's no doubt that that's the course of action the team should follow. Here's why Mendoza proved beyond a doubt that he's the franchise's hope moving forward/

Mendoza Shines in Bloomington

During his final evaluation before the draft, Mendoza was spectacular during his pro day, displayed his deep throwing power, while putting together some looks at what he'll be like when playing under center.

Feb 10, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak (left) and general manager John Spytek at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak runs an offense that is predicated on building a passing attack off a consistent rushing attack. With the offensive line and Ashton Jeanty already in place, the big question was about range. Could Mendoza find the range when he's forced to dropback instead of standing up in a standard shotgun formation?

The other part of that question is that a successful passing attack naturally forces the defense to drop a safety into the box to assist with run defense. That leaves the opposition's top open to be exploited. Could Mendoza deliver the deep bomb once the rushing attack sets it up? Well let's take a look.

NEW: Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the throw of the DAY…

Mendoza uncorked this deep ball to EJ Williams.

Absolutely money 😳 pic.twitter.com/AJHDOK8kZx

— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) April 1, 2026

There's not a whole lot to take away from a pro day because this is a controlled exercise. There's three crucial elements teams need to see from a quarterback.

Can they make the throws needed for the offense? Does their throwing motion, especially on more difficult passes look natural and remain consistent, or does it change under the pressure of added responsibility? How does a quarterback respond after a miss?

On Wednesday, Mendoza passed with flying colors. He's the perfect project for Kubiak to mold, and it's clear that a little adversity does not dissuade Mendoza in the slightest.