Fernando Mendoza, the Indiana quarterback expected to be the No. 1 pick, put on a show at his pro day. Nearly two dozen college teammates took turns running the 40-yard dash as Mendoza warmed up with his college roommate. All 32 NFL teams sent scouts to Indiana’s campus.
Mendoza’s Performance and Preparation
Mendoza said, “I feel like it went great,” after throwing approximately 56 passes. He aimed to allow everyone to showcase their abilities in front of all 32 NFL teams and run routes applicable to the timing in the NFL. Mendoza threw short, deep and medium-range passes, targeting receivers to the left, right and over the middle, also throwing on the run.
Mendoza overthrew a diving Elijah Sarratt by half a yard on a deep ball. The 6-foot-5 22-year-old doesn’t have to be perfect after seemingly already convincing the Las Vegas Raiders’ decision-makers to take him at No. 1. The Raiders also seem like a perfect fit for Mendoza, a longtime fan of team minority owner Tom Brady.
Brady’s Attention and Mendoza’s Season
Mendoza’s 2025 season got the attention of Brady, who attended January’s Indiana-Miami national championship game with Raiders majority owner Mark Davis and general manager John Spytek. Last season, Mendoza completed 72% of his throws for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns with six interceptions. He showed his mettle with a twisting highlight-reel scoring run late in the title game and defeated Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon and Miami to capture Indiana’s first outright Big Ten title since 1945 and the school’s first national football title.
Mendoza’s Physical Condition and Future Outlook
Mendoza skipped the workout at February’s NFL scouting combine, and he participated in only the throwing session on Wednesday. Mendoza might have shown how committed he is to excelling as a pro away from the field, with Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti watching and with bright television lights in the corners of the end zones. He arrived at 236 pounds, 11 pounds heavier than his listed playing weight, appearing stronger and more capable of surviving blows from NFL pass rushers.
Mendoza also stated he’s far from a finished product. He said he’s putting all of his efforts toward just tryin.