Fernando Mendoza, the standout quarterback from Indiana, is taking a unique approach ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft by opting to showcase his skills at the school”s Pro Day instead of participating in the NFL Combine. With the draft set for April 23 in Pittsburgh, Mendoza is widely anticipated to be the first overall pick, likely joining the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fans expecting to see Mendoza throw at the NFL Combine on February 28 will be disappointed, as he has chosen to focus on his Pro Day on April 1. This decision is not uncommon among top quarterbacks, as many prefer the familiarity of throwing to their collegiate teammates rather than to unfamiliar receivers at the combine.
Mendoza expressed his reasoning during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, stating, “At the combine, you”re throwing to different receivers, it”s a whole different thing. And I want to make sure I give my guys the best chance.” He plans to throw to his former teammates, including wide receivers Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper Jr., E.J. Williams Jr., and tight ends Riley Nowakowski and Holden Staes. Running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black will also participate in the Pro Day.
This strategy has been successfully employed by several recent top quarterbacks who chose to throw at their Pro Days instead of the NFL Combine. Notable names include Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Bryce Young, Joe Burrow, and Kyler Murray. Mendoza”s choice to prioritize his teammates may further solidify his status as a leader in the eyes of NFL scouts.
In terms of performance, Mendoza has shown significant improvement since transferring from California after the 2024 season. His statistics over his three years in college reflect his growth as a quarterback, culminating in an impressive final season at Indiana. His career totals include over 8,200 passing yards, 71 touchdown passes, and a completion percentage of 68.6.
According to the latest mock drafts from Sporting News, Mendoza is projected to be selected first overall by the Raiders, who are desperately seeking a franchise quarterback to complement their young offensive talents, including running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers. With Mendoza clearly positioned as a top prospect, his Pro Day performance will be closely monitored by NFL teams eager to assess his readiness to lead at the professional level.
