Fernando Mendoza

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Fernando Mendoza has already made a strong impression during his first month with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Fantasy Impact

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak noted that Mendoza has been "as advertised." Kirk Cousins got all the reps with the first-team offense at practice on Wednesday and remains the likely favorite to start Week 1 this upcoming season, but Mendoza should find his way onto the field at some point during the season.

Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza is learning how to take snaps under center at rookie minicamp.

Fantasy Impact

Per ESPN’s Ryan McFadden, Mendoza took just five snaps under center over the course of his three-year college career. The big adjustment for Mendoza moving to taking more snaps under center is working on his foot work. Kirk Cousins remains likely to start Week 1 for the Raiders, but Mendoza should still step into action sooner rather than later.

The Las Vegas Raiders have selected QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Fantasy Impact

Mendoza was the favorite to go first overall in the draft after winning the Heisman Trophy and a National Championship with Indiana. Mendoza had an excellent season to propel him to the top of the draft, throwing for 3,545 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Mendoza will have a few talented play makers with RB Ashton Jeanty and TE Brock Bowers on the roster, but will have to hope that the offensive line performs better than it did in 2025. The Raiders also signed Kirk Cousins, which could give Mendoza a veteran to sit behind early in the season if they Raiders elect not to immediately start the rookie.

Indiana QB and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza has a top-30 visit with the Raiders on Tuesday.

Fantasy Impact

It is Mendoza's only scheduled visit. He remains fully expected to go No. 1 overall to the Raiders.

Fernando Mendoza, the projected top overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, will not throw at this week's NFL Combine. He will, however, throw at Indiana's pro day on April 1 to help showcase Hoosier pass catchers.

Fantasy Impact

Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, is expected to be the top overall pick at this year's NFL Draft. He threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns, against only six interceptions, in leading Indiana to a 16-0 record and the program's first-ever National Championship. Instead of throwing to unfamiliar receivers at the combine, Mendoza will save his arm until April where he will throw to the same receivers who helped him rewrite Indiana's record books.