Fernando Mendoza is coming off the hottest campaign for perhaps any quarterback since Joe Burrow himself. He’s fresh off a national title and a Heisman Trophy win while being the consensus No. 1 overall pick projection. So what’s his plan for the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine?
As it turns out, not much. Not in the way of throwing, at least.
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Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, the Indiana quarterback shrugged off the idea of throwing the ball at the Combine and prioritizing showing off his arm at the Indiana Pro Day instead. He said that he would rather give the best looks to his own receivers and running backs so they get the most important looks from NFL scouts and executives.
“At the Combine, you’re throwing to different receivers, it’s a whole different thing,” Mendoza said. “And I want to make sure I give my guys the best chance. I want to throw at pro day with my guys, with my running backs and be there with the boys. The Combine, I don’t think throwing’s going to be a priority just because it’s such a quick turnaround.”
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Respect for Mendoza
As if NFL fans (or Raiders fans) didn’t need more reasons to respect Mendoza, this was yet another mark in his favor. However, others pointed out that it was something that was used against Shedeur Sanders during the pre-draft process with him last year.
“Ahh sounds so great when he say it 😭 while this was used as a reason another qb dropped in the draft,” one user remarked.
“It’s ok when they do it, it’s a problem when 2 did it…. 🤔 Now, just where have they done this before? What QB projected to go top 3 did this & was crucified… 🤔 Hmm……” wrote another.
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“Watch how the media change their tune with this. They killed some guys last draft for only throwing at pro day. Did Fernando play in the shrine bowl or senior bowl? Hmmm let’s see,” a third wrote.
“So it’s okay for this clown to do it , but it was a big problem when @ShedeurSanders did it…. Hmmm..”
Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) runs on the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
It certainly seems like a double standard if this is the immediate reaction.
That being said, it makes no difference for Mendoza whether he throws at the Combine, his Pro Day, a private workout or never again. He is destined to be the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and it will all but certainly be the Las Vegas Raiders sending the card to the podium to call his name.
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This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.