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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Fernando Mendoza #QB11 of Indiana poses for a portrait during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barring a stunning turn of events, Fernando Mendoza is going to be the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.
There’s really been no mystery involved.
The Raiders badly need a quarterback and the Heisman Trophy winner from Indianan is the only quarterback worthy of being a top pick. So, Mendoza has always been the guy throughout the draft processs.
So, there isn’t expected to be much drama when Mendoza works out and throws at Indiana’s Pro Day Wednesday. He didn’t throw at the combine.
There’s not much Mendoza can or can’t do Wednesday to affect his draft status. Thus, an excellent or poor showing shouldn’t affect the inevitable —- the Raiders will select with him the No. 1 pick.
But, still, it’s an important part of the process. Expect the Raiders to have a big contingent of coaches and front-office types in Bloomington at the event that is expected to be shown on NFL Network live from 10-noon PT.
The Raiders will likely meet with Menndoza this week and they are reportedly hosting him for a visit at their facility next week.
The Raiders met with Mendoza at the NFL Combine earlier this offseason and the team’s brass watched him lead the Hoosiers to their first ever National Championship in Miami in January. They are also expected to attend his pro day at Indiana next week.
So, this Mendoza’s pro day is another step on his pathway to Las Vegas.
