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Former Raiders GM Praises Potential No. 1 Pick Mendoza
Mike Mayock sees similarities between QB prospect Fernando Mendoza and Matt Ryan
Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:19pm
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Mayock's QB comparison highlights Mendoza's potential to lead the Raiders to new heights, if he can overcome durability concerns.Las Vegas TodayFormer Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock shared his high praise for quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be the top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Mayock sees similarities between Mendoza and former NFL MVP Matt Ryan, praising Mendoza's arm strength, accuracy, and ability to perform under pressure.
Why it matters
The Raiders have the first overall pick in the draft and are widely expected to select Mendoza, a potential franchise quarterback they haven't had since Derek Carr's departure. Mayock's endorsement of Mendoza carries significant weight as the team evaluates their options for the top pick.
The details
Mayock highlighted Mendoza's strong arm, accuracy at all three levels of the field, and ability to elevate his game in crucial moments, comparing him to a 'baby-faced assassin' in Matt Ryan. However, Mayock also noted concerns about Mendoza's durability, as he took a high number of sacks in college due to his slight frame and lack of elusiveness. Mayock believes Mendoza will need to improve at getting the ball out quickly to protect himself and the team.
- The Raiders have until April 23 to decide if Mendoza is their pick at No. 1 overall.
The players
Mike Mayock
Former general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders who provided high praise for quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza.
Fernando Mendoza
Quarterback prospect from Indiana University who is expected to be the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Matt Ryan
Former NFL MVP quarterback who Mayock compared Mendoza to, citing their similar playing styles and intangibles.
What they’re saying
“[Mendoza has] got a good arm, can drive it back-shoulder at a high level, and is accurate at all three levels. This is the key to me: He's at his best when his best is necessary. I call it a quarterback's nervous system...”
— Mike Mayock, Former Raiders GM
“The more I watched, the more I liked him; I respected him, and he reminds me of a young Matt Ryan. And a young Matt Ryan, to me, is a baby-faced assassin with great intangibles, football IQ, and work ethic.”
— Mike Mayock, Former Raiders GM
What’s next
The Raiders have until April 23 to decide if Mendoza is their pick at No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The takeaway
Mayock's high praise for Mendoza's talent and leadership qualities suggests the Raiders could be poised to select the quarterback with the first overall pick, giving them a potential franchise signal-caller to build around for the future.
