Mendoza Confirms Brady Mentorship, Top QB Prospect

Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, a presumptive No. 1 overall pick, met with the Las Vegas Raiders at the NFL Scouting Combine. Mendoza expressed excitement about potentially being mentored by Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, confirming a brief phone conversation. He detailed his underdog journey from a 'raw prospect' and 'terrible' 140th-ranked high school QB in 2022 to a top pick. His meetings with the Raiders and Brady were described as 'Fantastic.' Mendoza is the overwhelming favorite in 2026 NFL Draft odds to go No. 1.