Mendoza Meets with Raiders, Talks to Brady Ahead of NFL Draft

Top QB prospect Fernando Mendoza discusses his interview with the Raiders and brief conversation with minority owner Tom Brady.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 2:38pm

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Fernando Mendoza, the consensus top quarterback prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft, shared details about his recent meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the No. 1 overall pick. Mendoza said the interview went "fantastic" as he discussed his game film and drew plays on the whiteboard with the coaching staff. Mendoza also briefly spoke with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, whom he called "the greatest quarterback of all time by a wide margin." Mendoza expressed excitement about the possibility of being mentored by Brady if the Raiders were to select him with the top pick.

Why it matters

The Raiders' decision with the No. 1 pick will have major implications for the future of the franchise, as they look to find a new franchise quarterback. Mendoza is widely viewed as the top QB prospect, and his meeting with the team and connection to Brady as a minority owner adds intrigue to the potential pairing.

The details

During the NFL Combine, Mendoza had a formal meeting with the Raiders' coaching staff, where he said they "went over some of my previous plays" and he "thought it was a great meeting." Mendoza also briefly spoke with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, calling it "very special" and saying he looks forward to "meeting him in person one day and learn from him." Mendoza acknowledged the Raiders have the No. 1 pick, but said "anything can happen in the draft" as he expressed excitement for the opportunity to play in the NFL.

  • Mendoza met with the Raiders at the NFL Combine on February 27, 2026.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The consensus top quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Tom Brady

A minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and widely considered the greatest quarterback of all time.

Las Vegas Raiders

An NFL franchise that holds the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“It was a fantastic interview. The coaching staff was in there, we went over some of my previous plays, drew some plays on the board. I thought it was a great meeting. I know they have the No. 1 pick, but anything can happen in the draft. I'm just excited for the opportunity, and whatever team drafts me, I'm going to give them everything I got.”

— Fernando Mendoza

“I mean, who hasn't admired Tom Brady? More Super Bowl rings than anybody. That opportunity would be fantastic. Tom Brady, I believe, is the greatest quarterback of all time by a wide margin, and having the opportunity to be mentored by him, it would mean so much.”

— Fernando Mendoza

What’s next

The Raiders will continue their evaluation of Mendoza and other top quarterback prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold the No. 1 overall pick.

The takeaway

Mendoza's meeting with the Raiders and brief interaction with Tom Brady as a minority owner highlight the intrigue surrounding the potential pairing. If the Raiders select Mendoza, he would have the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, which could accelerate his development and help turn around the franchise.