Fernando Mendoza’s NFL Draft Combine decision says everything about his status

Fernando Mendoza does not need the NFL Scouting Combine.

That is the clearest takeaway from his decision to skip throwing in Indianapolis and instead wait for Indiana’s Pro Day on April 1 at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington.

Mendoza is the consensus No. 1 overall pick across every major mock draft. His grip on the top spot is not wavering. So when news surfaced that he would not throw at the Combine, it was not interpreted as hesitation. It was viewed as control.

Adam Schefter tweeted, “Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will not throw at the combine this week, per source. He will throw at Indiana’s pro day on April 1st, when the school has multiple pass catchers that Mendoza wants to help showcase.”

Mendoza plans to throw to Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper Jr., and E.J. Williams Jr. at wide receiver, along with tight ends Riley Nowakowski and Holden Staes. Running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black are also expected to participate as part of the 16-0 championship roster that powered Indiana’s historic season.

This is not just about comfort. It is about chemistry and elevating those around him.

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Rather than working with unfamiliar receivers in Indianapolis, Mendoza is choosing a stage where timing and anticipation are already established. Scouts will evaluate him within the system that made him the most coveted quarterback in the class. At the same time, his teammates get one more controlled, quarterback driven showcase in front of all 32 NFL teams.

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Quarterbacks fighting to climb draft boards need the Scouting Combine. But when you’re locked into No. 1, you get to decide how the process unfolds. Mendoza has made that clear.

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