NFL Analyst Casts Doubt on Presumptive No. 1 Draft Pick Fernando Mendoza
By ALEX RASKIN, US SPORTS NEWS EDITOR
Published: 03:54, 27 February 2026 | Updated: 04:22, 27 February 2026
The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the presumptive first-overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, is facing some unexpected scrutiny. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky has raised concerns about Mendoza's performance, sparking a debate among football enthusiasts and analysts alike.
"I've watched eight games of Mendoza's footage, and while there are some highlights, there's also a lot of underwhelming moments," Orlovsky shared on the Worldwide Leader. "He doesn't make many big-time throws, and he gets spooked when under pressure, resorting to running unnecessarily."
Orlovsky's critique focuses on Mendoza's performance in high-pressure situations, noting that he benefits from clean pockets when throwing, which is common for quarterbacks in college football. However, he believes Mendoza struggles when faced with pressure, which is a critical aspect of the NFL game.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the first pick in the draft, are widely expected to select Mendoza. However, minority owner Tom Brady and Raiders general manager John Spytek have remained tight-lipped about their decision. Spytek did, however, emphasize the importance of a quarterback's competitive spirit and willingness to play through tough circumstances, traits that Mendoza certainly embodies.
Mendoza's impressive 2025 season, which included a game-winning throw against Penn State and a heroic quarterback sneak for the decisive score against Miami, has solidified his status as a top prospect. He led the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 record, throwing for 3,535 yards and an FBS-best 41 touchdown passes with just six interceptions.
But according to Orlovsky, Alabama's Ty Simpson may be a better prospect. "Through eight games, Simpson's tape at Alabama is significantly more impressive than Mendoza's," he said. Simpson went 11-4 with Alabama before losing to Mendoza's Hoosiers in the second round of the College Football Playoff.
Since the end of their disappointing 2025 season, the Raiders have made changes, firing coach Pete Carroll and replacing him with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. The team now has the opportunity to pair running back Ashton Jeanty, last year's first-round pick, with a franchise quarterback. The question remains: will they choose Mendoza or explore other options? The NFL Draft is set to unfold in April, and the football world eagerly awaits the Raiders' decision.
