Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is set to join the Las Vegas Raiders. A college coach has issued a nine-word warning to the Raiders regarding Mendoza's back-shoulder throws.

College coach sends nine-word Fernando Mendoza warning to Raiders they can't ignore originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft wasnât a surprise.
Fernando Mendoza was bound to be a Las Vegas Raiders since finishing his collegiate career with a national championship and Heisman Trophy, and it became official on Apr. 23. While Kirk Cousins may start the 2026-27 season as quarterback No. 1, Mendoza is undoubtedly the Raidersâ franchise signal-caller.
That said, a college coach recently sent the Raiders a nine-word warning about Mendozaâs back-shoulder throws that they canât ignore.
âIn the NFL, those throws are getting picked off,â the coach stated, according to ESPNâs Adam Rittenberg.
For clarity, the coach named in Rittenbergâs recent piece competed against Fendoza when he was a member of the California Golden Bears in the ACC. Although Mendoza was a polished, NFL-ready QB with Indiana, he still displayed the occasional tendency to favor back-shoulder throws to his most trustworthy receivers (Omar Cooper Jr, and Elija Sarratt).
The college coach sent a nine-word warning regarding Mendoza's back-shoulder throws.
Mendoza is viewed as the franchise quarterback due to his national championship and Heisman Trophy achievements.
Fernando Mendoza was officially drafted by the Raiders on April 23, 2026.
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Mendozaâs elite touch and ball placement didnât get him into much trouble last season, though, as he finished the year with 273 completions for 3,535 receiving yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions.
Still, that shouldnât stop the Raiders from heeding the anonymous ACC coachâs warning, given the fact that NFL defenses are a step quicker/more athletic and can sniff out plays before theyâre executed.
Simply put, Mendoza canât put the ball in harm's way in the big leagues if he wants to carve out a successful career.
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