Mel Kiper Jr. SHOCKS Raiders Fans with Explosive Take on Fernando Mendoza—You Won’t Believe What He Said!

The anticipation surrounding the 2026 NFL Draft is already building, particularly for the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the coveted No. 1 overall pick. With just a few months to go, NFL Draft analysts are weighing in on how the Raiders should use that pick. Among them is ESPN’s renowned analyst Mel Kiper Jr., who believes it’s a "no-brainer" that the Raiders should select Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

This season, Mendoza showcased his potential with a staggering passer rating of 182.9, accumulating 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions over the course of 16 games. His outstanding performance led the Hoosiers to a national championship, further solidifying his status as a premier quarterback prospect. Kiper noted on the January 21 edition of "Get Up" that Mendoza has demonstrated exceptional improvement across various metrics, reducing the sack total from his previous stint at California from 41 to 18 during the regular season.

Kiper emphasized Mendoza’s experience, pointing out that he benefited from 35 starts during his college career. "Think about the biggest games—the Big Ten Championship Game, Ohio State, the three playoff games. He’s had 10 touchdowns and only one pick, with a 74 percent completion percentage. This kid is ready for the NFL," Kiper stated, showcasing confidence in Mendoza's readiness to transition to the professional level.

As the Raiders evaluate their needs in a competitive AFC West, the consensus is clear: finding a franchise quarterback is essential. Kiper remarked on the urgency of the situation, "You think about the Raiders and that division with all those great quarterbacks. It’s a heck of a place to start." The need for a talented signal-caller becomes even more pressing as the Raiders aim to rebuild and become a competitive force in the league.

Echoing Kiper’s sentiments, ESPN college football analyst Jordan Rodgers expressed strong support for Mendoza, suggesting that his performance against the Miami Hurricanes even drew comparisons to legendary quarterback Tom Brady. Rodgers explained, "I think Tom Brady looks at Fernando Mendoza and sees a lot of himself, somebody that excels at being accurate and making decisions." He continued, emphasizing that throwing accurate footballs becomes increasingly challenging at the NFL level, making Mendoza's high floor as a prospect particularly appealing.

With the 2025 college football season now concluded, the Raiders must finalize their head coach before fully committing to their draft strategy. However, the potential selection of Mendoza at No. 1 could signify a new chapter for the franchise. As the NFL landscape evolves, the Raiders appear to be on the cusp of making a decision that could shape their future for years to come.

For Raider Nation, the prospect of landing a quarterback with Mendoza's skill set offers hope and excitement. The analysis suggests that selecting Mendoza could be a pivotal moment in the organization's efforts to reclaim its status in the NFL.