Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza shows NFL skills for Raiders, others at pro day
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Fernando Mendoza changed his LinkedIn status to "Open to Work" in January, and the Indiana quarterback proved he is taking this professional football thing seriously at the Hoosiers' pro day on Wednesday.
Most general managers and scouts downplay the meaning of pro day workouts as the culmination of a finely rehearsed routine, especially for quarterback prospects. But Mendoza delivered by putting the ball right on the money on repeat Wednesday, when he showed up bigger, stronger and faster than he was a few months ago when he declared for the draft.
Mendoza said he appreciated the audience but is keeping his focus on being ready to take the field in September.
"I'm trying to be the best me possible. Whatever team picks me, you only need one team to believe in you," Mendoza said. "Whether I'm the first pick or the last pick, I'm trying to be the best quarterback possible in September."
The Raiders are not hiding their affinity for Mendoza. They've met with the quarterback twice before Wednesday, when another formal sitdown was on Mendoza's calendar.
The meeting Wednesday followed a Zoom meeting and their first encounter, a formal interview at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.
At least 10 members of the organization were present on Wednesday afternoon, all but solidifying Mendoza's name will be called when Las Vegas makes the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh later this month.
The 20-minute workout included a total of 56 throws. He completed 53.
"I think the main goal today was to serve my teammates," said Mendoza, who declined a workout at the NFL Scouting Combine to bring more scouts to the campus workout and share the spotlight with his IU brethren. "I think I was able to do that. Be able to put them in position to be able to make plays."
Raiders general manager John Spytek and head coach Klint Kubiak were locked on the proceedings from start to finish.
Mendoza weighed 236 pounds -- 11 pounds heavier than his playing weight in the national championship game -- and the Heisman Trophy winner didn't show any signs of resting on his college credentials or trophy case.
Other than one overthrow on a 60-yard missile to Elijah Sarratt, Mendoza made all the throws scouts wanted to see and then some. His dart to EJ Williams was released from the other 40-yard line and caught in stride at the 6, drawing an audible reaction from observers encircling the field at Indiana's indoor practice facility.
Mendoza's Indiana teammates weren't entirely overshadowed.
Cornerback D'Angelo Ponds was clocked at 4.31 in the 40-yard dash. At the combine, he only participated in jump tests and registered a 43 1/2-inch vertical.
Running back Roman Hemby, who said he began training for the draft the day after the national championship game, said he wants to get to the NFL and stay there, and he feels he owes a debt of gratitude to Mendoza.
"That's a guy that's a great leader, a great person," Hemby said. "He doesn't have to do some of the things he does. He wanted to go out there and showcase the guys. That shows the type of person he is. That's why we love him."