Mendoza Dazzles at Pro Day Ahead of NFL Draft

Presumptive No. 1 pick impresses Raiders and all 32 NFL teams with near-perfect throwing display.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:03am

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Fernando Mendoza, the former Indiana University quarterback and presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, wowed scouts from all 32 NFL teams during his pro day workout in Bloomington, Indiana. Mendoza completed 53 of his 56 throws, including a stretch of 23 straight completions, showcasing his accuracy and arm strength in front of the Raiders' brass, who hold the first pick in the draft.

Why it matters

Mendoza's standout pro day performance has further cemented his status as the top quarterback prospect in this year's draft class. The Raiders, who are in need of a franchise quarterback, will have a tough decision to make with the first overall pick, as Mendoza's impressive workout has likely solidified his position as the presumptive No. 1 selection.

The details

During his pro day, Mendoza completed 53 of his 56 pass attempts, with his only off-target throw being a slight overthrow on a 'go' route. The Raiders, who hold the first overall pick, sent 10 representatives to the event, including general manager John Spytek and head coach Klint Kubiak. Mendoza is coming off a stellar final collegiate season, in which he won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to its first-ever national championship in football.

  • Mendoza's pro day took place on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
  • The NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

A former quarterback at Indiana University who is the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

John Spytek

The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Klint Kubiak

The head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like it went great. You know quarterbacks have passed, have done shorter pro days than that. However, I just wanted to make sure everybody could showcase their abilities in front of all 32 NFL teams and really run routes that are applicable to the timing we're going to be running in the NFL.”

— Fernando Mendoza

What’s next

The Raiders will have to decide whether to select Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh beginning on April 23.

The takeaway

Mendoza's dominant pro day performance has solidified his status as the top quarterback prospect in this year's draft class, and the Raiders will have a difficult decision to make with the first overall pick. Mendoza's combination of on-field talent and off-field leadership has made him a highly coveted prospect, and his pro day showing has only further enhanced his draft stock.