Is Mendoza doomed?
By: Jake Rajala
Fernando Mendoza was taken first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. There have been 38 quarterbacks taken first overall. So, the question is: Will Mendoza be the next Jameis Winston? Or perhaps he will take more than a decade to show out like Matthew Stafford?
Fernando may really want to close his ears when he hears that the past three QBs that went first overall in 2023, 2024, and 2025, have combined for zero Pro Bowls.
So, we know Fernando is going to Sin City. We know the Las Vegas Strip gives Bourbon Street a run for its money when it comes to partying. The nickname of the Raiders stadium is the “Death Star”. Non Star Wars fans should just be thankful they don’t play on a baseball field anymore.
Fernando should be concerned that Ashton Jeanty played like the opposite of Raiders legend Marcus Allen last season. Let it be known that Jeanty only had 25 more rushing yards than Trent Richardson in their rookie seasons. The worst part is that Richardson had six more rushing touchdowns than Jeanty as a rookie!
It may be wise for Fernando to pull an Eli Manning and try to get traded to a team that’s quality team. If Eli went to the Chargers he may have never reached the Super Bowl and Tom Brady may have two extra Super Bowl rings.
If Fernando struggles early on, he can sit back and witness Kirk Cousins lead the squad. Yes, the same Cousins that threw a league leading 16 interceptions with the Vikings in 2024.
Fernando may be like J.J. McCarthy, but I can’t foresee him being at the Jamarcus Russell level. Fernando should be able to play for more than three seasons.
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