We now know why Raiders' presumed No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza isn't throwing at NFL Combine

Fernando Mendoza enters the NFL Draft process in an enviable position: Unless something goes off the rails, he's going to be the No. 1 overall pick.

The quarterback from Indiana is atop everyone's QB rankings for the 2026 draft class, and the Las Vegas Raiders, with the first pick, seem to be targeting a quarterback. It's hard to imagine a different outcome.

That means that Mendoza can pick and choose his spots as he goes through the pre-draft process.

One of the decisions he's made: He's not throwing at the NFL Draft Combine.

He has a simple reason for that.

MORE: This QB may actually be the biggest prize of free agency

Why isn't Fernando Mendoza throwing at NFL Combine?

Mendoza isn't throwing at the Combine because he'd rather throw at Indiana's Pro Day.

At the Combine, Mendoza would be throwing to unfamiliar receivers. At his Pro Day, he gets to throw to guys he knows well.

Not only does that make Mendoza look better. It also puts his pass catchers into the spotlight.

"The school has multiple pass catchers that Mendoza wants to help showcase," ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote on X.

Mendoza may not have any draft stock to grow, but he can help improve his teammates' chances by showing off their connection at the IU Pro Day. That means at the Combine, Mendoza won't worry about proving what his arm can do. He already has more than enough believers.

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