Raiders' Fernando Mendoza Ripped by CFB Coach, 'Don't Think He's Got the NFL Traits'

2026 No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the Las Vegas Raiders' next franchise quarterback, but not everyone is convinced that he'll have a successful career.

ESPN's Adam Rittenberg spoke to a coach who had faced Mendoza while he played for Cal before he transferred to Indiana and won the 2025 Heisman Trophy, and they didn't mince words when evaluating him.

"He's a good decision-maker, but I don't think he's got the NFL traits," the coach said of Mendoza. "They're all back-shoulder [throws]. That's not working in the NFL. His receivers made plays to make him look better than he is. In the NFL, those throws are getting picked off."

Mendoza's draft stock skyrocketed throughout the 2025 season as he led Indiana to an undefeated record and its first national championship in program history. However, there are concerns over whether he was just a one-year wonder.

Still, the evaluations weren't all negative. B/R's Brent Sobleski graded the Raiders' selection of Mendoza an A+.

Rittenberg spoke to a Big Ten coach who said Mendoza is "one of the more complete quarterback prospects he has seen." A defensive coordinator from a Power 4 team praised his ability to shine in big moments.

"He had a lot of support, lot of help there, so we'll see what he can do," the DC said. "What I was impressed with him is coming up big. You can't teach that, and he has it."