Raiders' presumed No. 1 NFL Draft pick Fernando Mendoza wouldn't mind being pick 199

Fernando Mendoza is the widely assumed No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Indiana national champion and Heisman Trophy winner, though, assured reporters on Friday that he'd be just fine going with the 199th pick, too.

Wait, what?

Ah -- that's when Tom Brady was chosen in his draft year. 

Mendoza had his media availability at the NFL Combine and spoke about the chance to meet with the Raiders.

"I was lucky enough to interview with the Las Vegas Raiders," Mendoza said. "It was a fantastic interview. Coaching staff was in there. We went over some of my previous plays and did plays on the board. I thought it was a great meeting. I know they have the No. 1 pick, but anything can happen in the draft. Excited for the opportunity and whatever team drafts me, I am going to give everything I got to them."

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Mendoza also was kind about the idea that the top spot in the draft is his to lose.

"There are so many great players in this class … I'm just honored to be a part of the group," he said. "There'll be no hard feelings."

Brady, now the minority owner of the Raiders, said "a brief hi" over the phone to Mendoza during his interview, the Indiana QB told reporters.

"Yeah, I mean, who hasn't admired Tom Brady? I mean, more Super Bowl rings than anybody... anybody!" Mendoza said. "So, that opportunity would be fantastic. Tom 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, you know, I've got to learn a lot. It's gonna be a long journey, and to potentially have a mentor like that, it would be pretty impressive and pretty meaningful."

Mendoza won't throw at the Combine, saving that for his Pro Day.

For now, it seems like nothing could change his landing with the Raiders, only 198 picks earlier than Brady went off the board.

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