ACC coach doubts Raiders QB Mendoza's NFL arm traits
An anonymous Atlantic Coast Conference coach questioned Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza's readiness for the NFL on Monday. The coach, who faced Mendoza during his time at California, told ESPN the Heisman Trophy winner relies too heavily on back-shoulder throws that will not translate to professional defenses. Mendoza lacks the necessary NFL traits, the coach said, adding that his college receivers bailed him out on plays that would result in interceptions against pro competition.
Mendoza rose to prominence in the 2025 college season after transferring to Indiana, where he won the Heisman Trophy and led the Hoosiers to a national championship over Miami. The Raiders selected him No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL draft, pairing the rookie with head coach Klint Kubiak and veteran Kirk Cousins as a mentor. General manager John Spytek dismissed trade talk before the draft, praising Mendoza as a big, athletic thrower who is smart and driven.
In his lone season at Indiana, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns. He delivered a game-winning touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. against Penn State with 36 seconds left, securing a toe-tap catch that preserved the Hoosiers' undefeated run.
Mendoza participated in Raiders rookie minicamp last month at Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson, Nevada. He held a news conference at team headquarters days after the draft.
