Indiana University’s Fernando Mendoza put together one of the more memorable final seasons of his collegiate career, setting him up for the next phase, the NFL.
After winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to a National Championship, Mendoza has taken the next step by declaring for the NFL Draft, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, where he should be the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Mendoza threw for over 3,000 yards (3,535) and led all college football by a wide margin in touchdowns (41). In his three seasons (two with the University of California, Berkley), Mendoza has grown as a passer, jumping from throwing for 1,708 yards and an almost equal touchdown-to-interception ratio (14:10) to 3,004 yards the next year and a better-controlled ball (16:6).
The Raiders need Fernando Mendoza to have immediate success, and need Tom Brady to help that happen
The Raiders were the worst offensive team in the NFL last season (245.2 yards), but we’re slightly better in their passing game (28th, 167.7 yards) despite quarterback Geno Smith leading the NFL in interceptions (17). Smith also tied Titian’s quarterback Cam Ward in sacks (55).
Outside of a dysfunctional owner, the Raiders lack a franchise quarterback, which Mendoza can provide. Mendoza’s skills as a quarterback — “Mendoza has been outstanding from clean pockets this season,” per PFF’s Trevor Sikkema — and leadership qualities should help him bring the Raiders locker room together to make them more competitive.
The Raiders’ future Hall of Famer and part-owner, Tom Brady, should play an integral part in Mendoza’s development if selected by the Raiders. Brady’s mentorship should make the transition from college to the NFL much easier for Mendoza.
