Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, faces a significant challenge adjusting to playing under center for the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite his impressive college career, Mendoza has limited experience in this role.
Key points
Fernando Mendoza was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
He won the Heisman Trophy before entering the NFL
Mendoza has limited experience playing under center
He took only five snaps under center in college
He is expected to increase his snaps under center in the NFL
Mentioned in this story
Fernando MendozaLas Vegas RaidersCalIndiana
Heisman Trophy2026 NFL Draft
Rookie minicamps are taking place across the NFL this month. Every NFL rookie faces a steep learning curve – even for the likes of No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was the consensus top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza’s accuracy, ability to process, IQ and leadership skills are some of the key traits that led him to the Las Vegas Raiders at the top of the draft.
However, there’s a major adjustment Mendoza must undertake in the NFL – playing under center.
In three college seasons, two at Cal and one at Indiana, Mendoza took just five snaps under center. Mendoza’s snaps under center are expected to dramatically increase at the next level.
What is the main challenge Fernando Mendoza faces in the NFL?
Fernando Mendoza's main challenge is adjusting to playing under center, a role he has limited experience in from college.
How many snaps did Fernando Mendoza take under center in college?
Fernando Mendoza took just five snaps under center during his three college seasons.
What traits made Fernando Mendoza the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Mendoza was selected as the top pick due to his accuracy, processing ability, football IQ, and leadership skills.
Which teams did Fernando Mendoza play for in college?
Fernando Mendoza played for Cal and Indiana during his college football career.
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2017: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M - Cleveland Browns
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No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2016: Jared Goff, QB, Cal - Los Angeles Rams
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No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2015: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2014: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina - Houston Texans
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No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2009: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia - Detroit Lions
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No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2008: Jake Long, OT, Michigan - Miami Dolphins
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No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2007: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU - Oakland Raiders
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No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2004: Eli Manning, QB, Ole Miss - San Diego Chargers (traded to New York Giants)
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No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2003: Carson Palmer, QB, USC - Cincinnati Bengals
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No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2002: David Carr, QB, Fresno State - Houston Texans
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2001: Michael Vick, QB, Virginia Tech - Atlanta Falcons
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No. 1 NFL draft picks since 1983
2000: Courtney Brown, DE, Penn State - Cleveland Browns
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1999: Tim Couch, QB, Kentucky - Cleveland Browns
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1998: Peyton Manning, QB, Tennessee - Indianapolis Colts
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1997: Orlando Pace, OT, Ohio State - St. Louis Rams
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1996: Keyshawn Johnson, WR, USC - New York Jets
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1995: Ki-Jana Carter, RB, Penn State - Cincinnati Bengals
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1994: Dan Wilkinson, DT, Ohio State - Cincinnati Bengals
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1992: Steve Emtman, DT, Washington - Indianapolis Colts
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1991: Russell Maryland, DT, Miami - Dallas Cowboys
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1990: Jeff George, QB, Illinois - Indianapolis Colts
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1989: Troy Aikman, QB, UCLA - Dallas Cowboys
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1988: Aundray Bruce, LB, Auburn - Atlanta Falcons
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1987: Vinny Testaverde, QB, Miami - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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1986: Bo Jackson, RB, Auburn - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (did not sign, later joined Los Angeles Raiders)
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1985: Bruce Smith, DE, Virginia Tech - Buffalo Bills
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1984: Irving Fryar, WR, Nebraska - New England Patriots
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1983: John Elway, QB, Stanford - Baltimore Colts (traded to Denver Broncos)
New Raiders coach Klint Kubiak’s West Coast offensive scheme features a lot of play-action and under-center snaps. When Kubiak was the offensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks last season, they played under center at one of the highest rates in the NFL.
The good news is, Mendoza is already getting a jump on the fundamentals.
“Everybody really wants to work, and it's a great feeling. I mean, the other quarterbacks are really in tune, but I need more work under center, and it's great when we can be in the hotel getting 25 to 50 snaps,” Mendoza said to reporters at Raiders rookie minicamp. “I still have a long way to go, but those centers are phenomenal, consistent snaps, and the offensive line did a great job.”
Mendoza explained that Raiders coaches have helped him along during the early stages of the offseason.
“I believe it's the added footwork. Instead of being back there in shotgun, you really have to get back to make sure you get depth so you can best serve your offensive linemen, still be on time, still decipher the defense. And with that, it's really having an emphasis on those first two steps, on securing the snap and getting out of there, and powerful with having quick feet,” Mendoza explained. “That's something that Coach [Mike] Sullivan and Coach [Andrew] Janocko and Coach [Klint] Kubiak have talked to me about."
Mendoza added that he’s watched film of teammate Kirk Cousins, who was in Minnesota when Kubiak was the Vikings' QB coach and offensive coordinator, and of Sam Darnold from last season in Seattle.
Mendoza’s ability to learn how to play under center will help determine when the No. 1 overall pick will top the depth chart. The Raiders signed Cousins as a bridge quarterback to aid Mendoza with his transition to the NFL. If Mendoza is a quick study, he’ll earn the QB1 job sooner rather than later.
