Published on: February 27, 2026, 06:04h.

Updated on: February 27, 2026, 06:07h.

• Las Vegas Raiders possess the No. 1 selection in the NFL Draft this April
• Heisman Trophy winner QB Fernando Mendoza is projected as the top pick
• Mendoza had discussions with the Raiders’ management and a call with minority owner Tom Brady

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a potential top draft choice in the forthcoming NFL draft, addressed the media during the NFL Combine today, increasing the likelihood of his collaboration with the Las Vegas Raiders in just a few months.

Raiders Hold the No. 1 Draft Selection

Following a challenging 3-14 season, the Raiders have secured the No. 1 draft pick for the upcoming event slated for April 23 in Pittsburgh. Sportsbooks like DraftKings have placed Mendoza as the favorite at +20000 to be drafted first overall, while linebacker Arvell Reese follows at +7000.

The only scenario in which Mendoza wouldn’t be drafted by Las Vegas would involve a trade for the pick, yielding numerous players or future draft selections. However, based on Mendoza’s remarks today, that outcome seems unlikely.

The Heisman Trophy recipient has already conducted an interview with the Raiders’ coaching team, including a call with minority owner Tom Brady. Mendoza expressed enthusiasm about potentially learning under Brady, widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, with seven Super Bowl wins and five Super Bowl MVPs.

Betting Odds Favor Mendoza Significantly

“Who hasn’t held admiration for Tom Brady?” he remarked to the press. “He has more Super Bowl rings than anyone else. The chance to work alongside him would be phenomenal. I truly believe Brady is the best quarterback ever, and if I could get the opportunity to learn from him, it would be invaluable. I’m all about growth, and from day one, I want to absorb as much knowledge as possible. This is a lengthy journey, and having a mentor like that would be incredibly impactful.

“I was fortunate to have a formal discussion with the Las Vegas Raiders,” he noted. “It was a wonderful session. The coaching staff was involved, we reviewed some of my past performances and diagrammed plays on the board. I thought the meeting went exceptionally well. While they hold the number one pick, anything can happen during the draft. I’m thrilled about this chance, and whichever team ends up selecting me will receive my utmost dedication. Whether I’m the first overall pick or the 199th, I’ll be grateful.”

Impact of Brady on Mendoza

The Raiders are well-positioned for a significant turnaround. Not only do they have the No. 1 draft selection, potentially bringing Mendoza in as their new franchise quarterback, but they also have ample salary cap space to support him. Furthermore, they are introducing a new coaching team led by Klint Kubiak, who recently celebrated a Super Bowl victory with the Seattle Seahawks as their offensive coordinator.

The NFL revealed today that the salary cap for the 2026-27 season will reach a record $301.2 million, an increase of $22 million per franchise – a monumental jump. Per Over the Cap, the Tennessee Titans are leading in salary cap space with $94.9 million, closely followed by the Raiders at $89.2 million.

The Raiders’ projected win total over/under at DraftKings is set at 5.5 (Over +120/Under -145).

“The NFL is known for its rapid transformations. The margins are razor-thin,” Mendoza commented. “Many games are decided by a handful of points, and the divide between a losing and winning record boils down to a couple of key drives and plays. No matter which team I’m aligned with, I intend to take all coaching to heart and serve my teammates to the best of my ability.”