Former Colts QB Compares Raiders' Top Draft Pick to Andrew Luck

Matt Hasselbeck sees similarities between Fernando Mendoza and the former Colts star quarterback.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck believes the Las Vegas Raiders' expected No. 1 overall draft pick, Fernando Mendoza, has the same qualities that made Andrew Luck a great leader in the locker room. Hasselbeck, who backed up Luck in Indianapolis, praised Mendoza's authenticity, work ethic, and excellence at his craft - traits he says will play well with the Raiders.

Why it matters

The Raiders are hoping Mendoza can turn the franchise around after years of struggles. Hasselbeck's comparison to Luck, a former No. 1 overall pick who had instant success in the NFL, suggests Mendoza may have the intangibles to become a star quarterback and lead the Raiders back to relevance.

The details

Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, is projected to be the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after leading Indiana to its first national championship. He threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns last season. Hasselbeck, who played in the NFL from 1999 to 2015, said Mendoza's authenticity and work ethic will make him a strong leader in the Raiders' locker room, similar to how Luck was with the Colts.

  • Mendoza is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23.
  • Hasselbeck made the comments about Mendoza on The Rich Eisen Show on Wednesday.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner and projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Matt Hasselbeck

A former Pro Bowl quarterback who played in the NFL from 1999 to 2015, including a stint backing up Andrew Luck with the Indianapolis Colts.

Andrew Luck

A former No. 1 overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts who was an instant star in the NFL before retiring due to injuries in 2019.

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, previously the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.

Tom Brady

A minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders who is rumored to be interested in mentoring Mendoza.

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What they’re saying

“I love Fernando Mendoza. He's a likable, lovable kid. He's a self-described goober, but he's just got an authenticity to him that I believe plays in the locker room. I backed up Andrew Luck for three years in Indianapolis at the end of my career, and he's one of the greatest leaders that I was ever around in a locker room. Part of that reason was that he just really embraced who he was — that authentic, nerd-nation, Stanford kind of guy.”

— Matt Hasselbeck, Former NFL Quarterback

“There's a couple of things that always play well in a locker room: If you're the hardest-working person that you could possibly be, if you're excellent at your craft, and if you are authentic 24/7. I think Fernando has got those qualities.”

— Matt Hasselbeck, Former NFL Quarterback

What’s next

The Raiders are rumored to be interested in bringing in 37-year-old Kirk Cousins to mentor Mendoza, with a preference to not start him immediately.

The takeaway

Hasselbeck's high praise of Mendoza's leadership qualities and comparison to Andrew Luck suggests the Raiders may have found their quarterback of the future, someone who can not only excel on the field but also command respect in the locker room and guide the franchise back to success.