It’s a done deal for the Las Vegas Raiders, and the fans are excited about Fernando Mendoza. Will he live up to expectations? Certainly, he’s off on the right foot, joining Joe Burrow, Jameis Winston, and Cam Newton in NFL history, according to a post on X by Adam Schefter.
“The Raiders selecting Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 puts him alongside Joe Burrow, Jameis Winston, and Cam Newton as the only QBs since 1967 to win the Heisman Trophy, a national title, and go No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft.”
The Raiders didn’t wait long to select the former Indiana University star. Mendoza comes with a championship pedigree and plenty of praise for his game, according to NFL.com.
“Mendoza is a precision-based pocket passer whose game is built on rare accuracy and steady command in high-leverage moments,” Lance Zierlein wrote. “Mechanically sound and intensely accurate, Mendoza is fearless in attacking pre- and post-snap reads. He can feather throws into deep windows or between levels.”
QB Fernando Mendoza will carry the Raiders’ torch
Mendoza cranked up the hype train early, according to ESPN.
“What a great organization, great legacy,” Mendoza told ESPN after the Raiders made the selection. “There’s so many teammates I’m looking forward to talking to — coaches, owners. I’m ecstatic for the opportunity.
“I’m just looking forward to get to work, prove it at the next level. College was fantastic. I’m so blessed to have that career. But now I step into a great game in the NFL. Look forward to proving it and earning it every single day.”
Mendoza stepped into a long line of No. 1 picks at the quarterback position. He became the 30th quarterback selected No. 1 in the common draft era. It has happened eight times in the last nine years.
The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins in the offseason, so Mendoza will have a veteran to learn from at the NFL level. And Cousins will also provide competition for the starting job.
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