Raiders finally got their chance to do what they’ve been waiting to do since the 2025 season ended

The Raiders have been waiting to talk to their guy for months.

Justin Churchill — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Las Vegas Raiders Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza NFL draft combine 2026
© Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders face a pressing quarterback need, making it seem almost certain they will select Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. Although everyone expects this outcome, they haven’t necessarily been able to speak with him. There are rules that must be followed.

This week, though, the Raiders get to talk to Mendoza, and they did just that during a formal meeting.

“Yeah, I was lucky enough to have a formal interview with the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a fantastic interview,” Mendoza said at the podium on Friday. “The coaching staff was in there. We went over some of my previous plays and drew some plays on the board. I thought it was a great meeting, and I know they have the number one pick, but anything could happen in the draft, and I’m just excited for the opportunity, and whatever team drafts me, I’m going to give everything I got to them.”

Raiders cannot wait to get Mendoza in the building

The Raiders haven’t had a franchise quarterback in a long time. The fanbase is divided on whether Derek Carr was the last true franchise quarterback, with some believing he was and others disagreeing. If not Carr, it’s been even longer. Mendoza is the pick, don’t overthink it.

“Whatever team drafts me, I’m grateful. Whether it’s the No. 1 pick or whether it’s, you know, the 199th pick,” Mendoza told reporters as a nod to Tom Brady, the minority owner of the Raiders and a former 199th pick.

Mendoza also said that he got to say a quick “hi” to Brady over the phone during his meeting with the team. Now that they have finally got to talk to him, they likely cannot wait to see Mendoza in Silver and Black, ready to get to work and build a lasting partnership that will define their future together.

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