NFL hopeful Fernando Mendoza has already had his formal meeting with the Raiders at the combine. As the no. 1 overall pick, the athlete looks set to sign a lucrative contract with a competitive side in the nation’s top football league.
Mendoza shared details of his meeting with journalists following his interview, driving anticipations surrounding his date in the 2026 NFL season. Here’s more about his disclosure.
NFL No. 1 Overall Pick Fernando Mendoza Speaks on Raiders Meeting
Fernando Mendoza Reveals the Moment He Knew Indiana Was “Going to Be Special”
Fernando Mendoza Reveals the Moment He Knew Indiana Was “Going to Be Special”
(Credit: Imagn Image)
Mendoza describes his formal interview with the Las Vegas Raiders in superlative terms, using words like “fantastic” and “great.” He also shared details of his conversation with the team’s representatives, including running over his football experience.
Speaking about his current situation, Mendoza describes himself as an unemployed fellow who is having a job interview. However, for him, it’s the most important interview of his life, and he hopes to land a role by April 23.
The Heisman Trophy winner is expected to go No. 1 overall to the Raiders, who sent a contingent to watch him during the national championship game. Going to the Raiders would mean going from a national championship team to the worst team in the NFL.
However, while acknowledging the potential implications of having the No. 1 pick, he admits that “anything can happen in the draft.” While sharing news of Mendoza’s interview online, an X accountcaptioned:
Fernando Mendoza described his meeting the Las Vegas Raiders, the organization with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft and the team projected to select the Heisman-winning QB.
“I was lucky enough to have a formal interview with the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a fantastic… pic.twitter.com/saTzKXNg2j
— Colin McMahon (@ColinMcMahon31) February 27, 2026
“Fernando Mendoza described his meeting the Las Vegas Raiders, the organization with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft and the team projected to select the Heisman-winning QB.
“I was lucky enough to have a formal interview with the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a fantastic interview. Coaching staff was in there. We went over some of my previous plays, drew some plays on the board. Thought it was a great meeting.”’
For Mendoza, whether he eventually gets the overall No. 1 slot or not, he’d appreciate any chance to feature in the elite professional league, holding no grudges against teams that pass on him. In return, Mendoza promised to dedicate “everything I’ve got” to any franchise that banks on his potential.