Fernando Mendoza concerns grow as NFL coach names better quarterback in upcoming draft
One veteran NFL coach has claimed former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is a better prospect than Fernando Mendoza as uncertainty begins to grow ahead of the NFL Draft.
Mendoza led Indiana to a stunning national championship title and has long been slated to be the first overall pick next month.
The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No 1 pick, with Tom Brady and Co expected to select Mendoza.
But some NFL insiders have cast doubt on whether Mendoza is really the caliber of player who deserves to follow in the footsteps of other top picks such as Cam Ward and Caleb Williams.
'It's amazing he's the first pick in the draft,' one team executive told The Athletic.
'I don't think he's surefire at all,' added an offensive coach who has studied all the quarterbacks in this year's class. 'I like the Alabama guy [Simpson] better.'
Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the No 1 overall pick in this year's NFL draft
But one veteran coach believes former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is a better prospect
Simpson was the quarterback who led the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoffs, where they were routed 38-3 by Mendoza's Indiana.
Simpson showed off his skills at the recent scouting combine whereas Mendoza opted not to take part in any drills.
One option for the Raiders next month is to trade away the first pick to an NFL rival such as the New York Jets, who are also on the hunt for a franchise quarterback.
'I'm not sure there is a player to trade up to get,' one executive told The Athletic. 'I think everyone just assumes they go (with Mendoza).'
The Raiders fired head coach Pete Carroll after a disastrous first campaign in Las Vegas.
He has been replaced by Klint Kubiak who, as offensive coordinator, helped the Seattle Seahawks to Super Bowl glory.
Brady is only a minority owner in Las Vegas but he is believed to have a huge voice in the franchise. And, back in December, the legendary quarterback heaped praise on Mendoza.
'I love everything about his game,' he said - before the No 1 pick had been decided. Brady singled out qualities including Mendoza's leadership and his ability to turn the Hoosiers into a winning program.
Tom Brady, a minority owner of the Raiders, said he 'loves everything' about Mendoza's game
Quarterback Mendoza led Indiana to a stunning national championship - the program's first
Last week, however, tentative signs emerged that the Raiders might be going cold on Mendoza.
An ESPN report from the Combine claimed the Raiders have told people that they do not want to start Week 1 of the 2026 campaign with a rookie quarterback.
That doesn't necessarily mean they don't want Mendoza, but it could leave the door open for teams to try and tempt them into trading the first pick. And it seems that the New York Jets will try their luck.
'Absolutely, we'll talk about all those things, but I don't think that's happening,' New York GM Darren Mougey said.
