Fernando Mendoza — the potential No 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft — said the chance to be mentored by Tom Brady if he’s selected by the Las Vegas Raiders would be “fantastic.” The former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Friday after a National Championship-winning college season that has made him the hot favourite to be taken by the Raiders with the top pick.
Las Vegas have one of the more intriguing quarterback situations in the NFL, after seven-time Super Bowl winner Brady became a minority owner in 2024. Though Brady is not directly involved in coaching, the Raiders have lacked a young, franchise quarterback for the past two years — a situation that could change if they invest a high draft pick in Mendoza.
While Brady was not at the Combine, the 22-year-old said they’d spoken briefly on the phone and was asked how he’d feel about working with the NFL legend. “Yeah, I mean, who hasn’t admired Tom Brady? I mean, more Super Bowl rings than anybody … anybody! So, that opportunity would be fantastic. Brady, I believe, is the greatest quarterback of all time – by a wide margin – and to be able to have the opportunity to be mentored by him would mean so much. Especially to learn, and I’m all about learning. So from day one, I’ve got to learn a lot. It’s going to be a long journey, and to potentially have a mentor like that, it would be pretty impressive and pretty meaningful.”
Mendoza also revealed he had a “great” meeting with the Raiders, who recently hired Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as head coach as they attempt to rebuild after a fourth straight losing season. He said the interview went well: “The coaching staff were in there. We went over some of my previous plays and drew some plays on the board. I thought it was a great meeting, and I know they have the prospective No 1 pick, but anything can happen in the draft. I’m just excited for the opportunity. Whatever team drafts me, I’m just going to give everything I have to them.”