Former 10-year NFL quarterback revealed a small detail about Fernando Mendoza’s throwing motion that shows how elite he can truly be
The Las Vegas Raiders drafted rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza for a reason, and he’s showing that reason at minicamp.
The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Fernando Mendoza with the idea that he would one day be the franchise quarterback. Maybe that’s Week 1, maybe it’s Week 7, maybe it’s Week 1 of the 2027 season.
However, before he can start a game, he must first learn Klint Kubiak’s offensive scheme. And to do that means Mendoza will have to learn how to play under center more, something he very rarely did in college. The Raiders are already working with Mendoza on that aspect of his game tremendously. Several clips from practice have come in, and it’s an obvious focus. Even Mendoza knows he has to improve that. And, he has done that so far, working relentlessly at minicamp.
One of his superpowers is his work ethic and ability to hone in on what he needs to improve. Mendoza is a player who has some elite intangibles. But there are people out there who doubt the tangibles. If you ask former NFL quarterbacks, he has some elite traits in his throwing motion that should only help Mendoza.
Luke McCown compliments Fernando Mendoza’s hip rotation
“Watch the right knee. This guy has excellent rotation and torque. The right knee tells the story of how much hip action you’re getting in your throw. Guys with a slight “pigeon toe” stance or build are even better,” former NFL veteran QB Luke McCown tweeted with a video of Mendoza throwing.
Mendoza has the power and the zip to be an elite thrower in the NFL, and it’s very clear when you watch him motion and his body. When you have more hip rotation, you genuinely throw the ball harder, more like how you want it to come out of your hands.
McCown was never an elite QB or anything of that nature, but he played in the league for 10 years. He had to have been doing something right. I’d listen to what he has to say.
