Fernando Mendoza is ‘ecstatic’ to be drafted by Raiders

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In the end, there was no mystery as expected — Fernando Mendoza is a Las Vegas Raider.

In a move that has been expected for months, the Raiders believe they got their new franchise quarterback by taking the Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana.

Mendoza is completely on board with joining the Silver and Black.

“What a great organizatiob and legacy … looking forward to talking to my teammates, coaches and owners. I’m ecstatic for this opportunity,” Mendoza told NFL Network moments after he was drafted.

Mendoza also had a message for Raider Nation:

Incoming call from Miami… 📳 #RaiderNation

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/mHCdjeNqYS

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) April 24, 2026

In a call with Las Vegas media members, Mendoza said he is excited to play for Klint Kubiak and he thinks the quarterback can be a point guard in the offense. He is also excited to have p[art owner Tom Brady as a mentor, calling it an edge for the team.

Raiders’ general manager John Spytek to the team’s website that Mendoza checked boxes during the entire draft processs and that he beleives the quarterback “is the right guy for the Raiders.”

Brady tweeted out a welcome to Mendoza.

Congratulations to all the rookies who are joining the NFL this weekend. I hope you can appreciate this special moment… you’ve earned it through hard work, discipline, and determination. You’ve made your family proud, along with everyone else on your journey that has supported…