Tom Brady has been warned to expect a lot of phone calls after the 2026 NFL Draft.
With the annual event approaching, it almost feels like a sure thing that Fernando Mendoza will be stepping on stage to accept a Las Vegas Raiders jersey as the No.1 overall pick.
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Fernando Mendoza had a perfect college football seasonCredit: getty
There are however, some concerns, particularly about the environment that awaits him, and who his NFL comparison is.
But it’s an opportunity too good for the Raiders to turn down as they look to begin a new era of the franchise.
Brady has spoken publicly about the desires he seeks for his next quarterback after the Geno Smith experiment failed miserably.
Danny Hernandez, who is Mendoza’s private quarterback coach, has told Brady that his prodigy is certainly capable enough, but will expect a lot in return.
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“If I know Fernando the way I know Fernando, Tom Brady is probably going to have a separate phone for Fernando alone, because he is going to wear that relationship out,” Hernandez told FOX Sports reporter Harry McKenna.
“He is going to try to get as much information that he possibly can from Tom Brady, you know?
“If Tom is going to be as hands-on as I am hoping he is, that is going to be a great relationship.”
All of the buzz around Mendoza fits what both Brady and general manager John Spytek are looking for in a quarterback.
Brady is the ideal mentor to seek advice from, as the pair have similar on-field characteristics, and have both received criticism in the lead up to the draft.
Mendoza’s decision not to throw at the combine has angered some scouts, but it’s becoming the new norm for the nations top hurlers.
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Mendoza’s QB coach has warned Brady to be prepared for his arrivalCredit: Getty
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Hernandez also revealed that Brady and Mendoza have already spoken at lengthCredit: Getty
Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward and Cleveland Browns passer Shedeur Sanders both opted not to throw at last year’s combine.
Kubiak reveals reason Raiders are ‘honing in’ on Mendoza
The 2026 draft is arguably the most important one in recent Raiders history.
They earned the first pick thanks to a 3-14 record in 2025 that also saw veteran head coach Pete Carroll be dismissed at the end of the season.
The team owns 10 picks and have a number of holes to fill in order to flip the script.
They will also be aware of the ever-developing Maxx Crosby situation.
New head coach Kubiak wants to keep the edge-rusher, but a league source revealed the Raiders’ asking price, meaning a trade could still be on the cards.
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The Raiders could be saying goodbye to Crosby this offseasonCredit: Getty
Kubiak has also previously kept his draft plans close to his chest, but now, the cat is out of the bag.
He cited that winning pedigree as the lead reason they are honing in on the Hoosiers quarterback.
“Excited to keep learning about him and it’s not just me, it’s our entire coaching staff,” Kubiak said via the Raiders’ website.
“I want all of our coaches to get involved, especially at that position. I want everybody’s input, but obviously he has been successful.
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“He had a lot of success last year, he won a national championship and that’s what you want. You want a winner.”
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