The positive signs are already there for Fernando Mendoza
By Andy Davies
Fernando Mendoza was named as the first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in this year’s NFL Draft.
Just the second player to be picked first overall by the Raiders, after JaMarcus Russell in 2007, Mendoza arrives in Nevada as the hope for the future for a franchise that has struggled.
The Raiders won three Super Bowls between 1976 and 1983. However, since then, the Raiders have gone 6-10 in the postseason.
In the 42 years that have passed since their last hoist of the Lombardi Trophy, they have only returned to the Conference Championship three times, winning one and losing two. The Raiders have had just five playoff campaigns in the 21st century, and just two since the 2002 season, a campaign that saw them win the AFC Championship.
Their run to Super Bowl XXXVII in the 2002 campaign stands as their last postseason win and only the Miami Dolphins’ 25 years without a playoff win is longer than the Raiders’ 23.
In the 2021 season, the Raiders reached the postseason and lost to eventual AFC Champions in Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wildcard Round. This is their last playoff appearance and only four teams have had a longer playoff appearance drought.
It has been a struggle for the Raiders in the modern history of the NFL, but the selection of Mendoza gives the franchise hope. He has certainly gotten off to a good start to life in Vegas, with plenty of positive signs that he could be the guy to turn things around.
A clear desire to win
Mendoza gathered plenty of worldwide attention when he guided the Indiana Hoosiers to their first ever National Championship win in history earlier this year.
As a result, as is customary for any successful US Sports team, they will have the chance to visit the President at the White House. Mendoza will not be present for the event as he “could not miss practice”.
“I’m on the bottom of the totem pole here. I’ve got to prove myself”, said Mendoza last week in a News Conference at the Rookie Minicamp.
“I can’t miss practice. I don’t have the calendar, but as a rookie, I don’t think that’s a good look. I want to try to best serve my teammates, and I don’t know if that’d be accomplishing that goal.”
These were not the only quotes to come from Mendoza since being drafted by the Raiders.
“Especially as a rookie, nothing’s given, and my belief in that everything is earned”, said Mendoza during his introductory press conference.
“I’m going to come in humble, try to establish myself with my work ethic and lead by example, but at the end of the day, it’s all great saying these words, but I’ve got to do it.”
Mendoza also spoke on the Raiders’ YouTube channel. He said: “I’m starting from the bottom of the totem pole and there’s so many great leaders, offense, defense, special teams, coaches, owners that I can learn from. So right now, I’m just trying to be a sponge and build that equity, try to perform in my job.”
What Mendoza has shown early doors, is his work ethic, desire to get to know his teammates and get better. He has also shown an awareness of his status in the NFL. Some rookies have held out before even playing a single snap in the league, such as Joey Bosa former Raiders first overall pick Russell, who held out. Mendoza appears to have a completely opposite mindset.
This is a good sign as any that the Raiders have got the right guy to lead the locker room. He is already a step up from Russell, who is one of the biggest busts of all-time and struggled with professionalism.
Russell famously was given a blank tape by coaches and claimed he had seen the plays. He was out of the league quicker than you can say Raider Nation. Mendoza, in a short space of time, has shown that he has the intangibles as an NFL professional that any franchise would love to have.
He will also be able to learn from the best quarterback of all-time in part owner Tom Brady, who was certainly someone that acted with the upmost professionalism.
Learning from the GOAT
Mendoza has been labelled by some as a “weak” Heisman Trophy winner, but Johnny Manziel was a previous recipient of the award and we all know how his career worked out.
Manziel is the anthesis of Mendoza, and his career should be a signal that talent alone does not get you anywhere.
There is no guarantee that he will be an NFL great, but sometimes you do not need to be necessarily the best player in your position. Sam Darnold and Jalen Hurts won a Super Bowl in the past couple of seasons, but neither will go down as Hall of Famers based on their careers at time of writing.
Yet, talented players such as Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are yet to even reach a Super Bowl, let alone win one.
Aaron Rodgers is arguably the most talented quarterback of all-time, but only has one Super Bowl (and appearance) to show for it. Brett Favre and Patrick Mahomes have more talent than Brady, but the Raiders part-owner has way more rings to show for it.
With Brady in the building, Mendoza has the chance to learn from the greatest quarterback in NFL history. Whether this is throwing technique, taking hits, standing tall in the pocket or ability to perform in the big occasions and in multiple weather conditions, there is nobody better to develop alongside.
Mendoza has already showcased some big game moments whilst with Indiana. Who can forget his play in the National Championship where he put the team on his back, rushing for a 12-yard touchdown on 4th and 5 in the fourth quarter.
He juked past several players, before taking a hit on his way to the end zone to turn a three point lead with 9:21 remaining to a 10-point lead.
In 2025, he led the NCAA in passing efficiency rating and did not throw a single interception in the Big Ten Championship or in either College Football Playoff games. The NFL is a different beast altogether but he has shown that he has the intangibles for the professional level and has already made a great impression on the league through soundbites.
ANDY DAVIES
NFL ANALYST
ANDY IS A SPORTS JOURNALISM GRADUATE WITH OVER SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE OF NFL WRITING AND PODCASTING. ANDY HAS BEEN TO EVERY NFL STADIUM AND IS THE HOST OF THE ACROSS THE POD PODCAST. HE HAS PRESS PASS EXPERIENCE AT THE LONDON GAMES AND MANY OTHER NFL BASED EVENTS SUCH AS SUPER BOWL LIX AND LX, HAVING INTERVIEWED THE LIKES OF AARON RODGERS, JUSTIN JEFFERSON, JASON BELL, OSI UMENYIORA, PATRICK MAHOMES, TRAVIS KELCE, DERRICK HENRY, SAQUON BARKLEY AND JALEN HURTS