With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching and Las Vegas holding the No. 1 overall pick, quarterback evaluations have moved to the forefront of the Raiders’ offseason. One prominent former quarterback offered a detailed breakdown of why he believes Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza will shine as a pro.
Robert Griffin III Outlines Case for Fernando Mendoza at No. 1
Former Pro Bowl quarterback Robert Griffin III raved about Mendoza during his “Outta Pocket“ podcast. Griffin expanded on Mendoza’s play style and decision-making as to why he’ll instantly translate to the NFL.
“There is no such thing as a safe number one overall pick,” Griffin said. “Let’s be very clear about that…Mendoza isn’t just a talent. He’s an anti-chaos quarterback.”
Griffin said the conversation around Mendoza should move beyond highlights and physical traits. Any team evaluating Mendoza should focus instead on how his approach reduces volatility at the position. Mendoza’s style aligns with how NFL offenses are increasingly structured.
“Mendoza’s biggest superpower is protecting the football while still being aggressive,” Griffin said. “That’s not YOLO ball.”
He described Mendoza as a quarterback who balances aggression with control. He does not rely on improvisation or risk-heavy decision-making. Griffin summarized his evaluation by calling Mendoza “a franchise fixer, not just a passer.”
Fernando Mendoza should be the #1 pick in the NFL Draft because he is an ANTI-CHAOS QB.
His biggest super power is protecting the football while still being aggressive to push the ball down the field.
Don’t over think it Las Vegas Raiders.
The Super Computer is your guy. pic.twitter.com/DEN2PEaY3I
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 29, 2026
“If you’re drafting number one, stop chasing the prettiest traits,” Griffin said. “Draft a quarterback who reduces your risk and raises your floor on day one while also maintaining an extremely high ceiling.”
Mendoza enters the draft following a standout season at Indiana. After transferring from California, he led the Hoosiers to a 16-0 record, a College Football Playoff National Championship, and won the Heisman Trophy.
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He completed 72.0% of his passes, threw 41 touchdown passes with 6 interceptions, averaged 9.3 yards per attempt, and posted a 182.9 passer efficiency rating.
According to the PFSN CFB QB Impact Metric, Mendoza finished the regular season with a 93.3 impact score. He ranked second among draft-eligible quarterbacks.
The Raiders finished 3-14 last season and leaned on veteran Geno Smith at quarterback. Smith will not be back next season. Neither is former head coach Pete Carroll. He was fired after Week 18. The Raiders are one of two remaining teams without a new head coach.
Owner Mark Davis and minority owner Tom Brady are expected to spearhead the head coaching search. Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is scheduled to meet with the Raiders on Saturday.
All odds point to the Raiders making Mendoza the 2026 No. 1 pick. Griffin has that right, too.
