Fernando Mendoza is a no-brainer to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, with the needy Las Vegas Raiders likely picking him up with their first selection.
Now that Mendoza has appeared at the 2026 NFL Combine, he’s drawing even more attention and even getting compared to a popular MVP quarterback.
Now, Mendoza’s 2026 NFL Combine measurements are in, and they’re impressive. According to NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, Mendoza’s measurements were a height of 6’4¾”, weight of 236 pounds, hand size of 9½ inches, arm length of 31⅞ inches and wingspan of 76¾ inches.
Those measurements aren’t far off from Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who is 6-foot-5 tall and 237 pounds. That has people wondering, could he be the next Allen? Maybe better.
Going into NFL Combine, Mendoza had already stated that he wasn’t throwing during the week. Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show” in early February, according to EPSN, he said, “At the combine, you’re throwing to different receivers, it’s a whole different thing. And I want to make sure I give my guys the best chance. I want to throw at pro day with my guys, with my running backs and be there with the boys.”
He added, “The combine, I don’t think throwing’s going to be a priority just because it’s such a quick turnaround.”
Mendoza, of course, is pretty much a Las Vegas Raider at this point. In a Saturday, February 28, feature for USA Today, Jacob Camenker gave his 2026 NFL draft picks.
“This pick can probably be written in pen now,” he stated. “It’s a forgone conclusion the Raiders will select Mendoza – the reigning Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to an undefeated season and a national championship – with the top overall selection.”
Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions, according to ESPN research, in one season with the Hoosiers
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