Why Fernando Mendoza is throwing at Indiana’s pro day — And it’s not for himself
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Why Fernando Mendoza is throwing at Indiana’s pro day — And it’s not for himself originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza has become the ‘belle of the ball’ for the NFL Draft. Last week, Mendoza did some media for Super Bowl LX in San Francisco, while training in California. He joined the set of the Pat McAfee show.
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According to ESPN, Mendoza answered some draft prep questions earlier than expected. One of those included giving context to a previously reported idea. Mendoza will attend the NFL Scouting Combine later this month but does not plan on participating in drills and certainly does not plan on throwing while in Indianapolis.
Mendoza was declarative that throwing at the Combine is not a priority. "At the combine, you're throwing to different receivers, it's a whole different thing," Mendoza said. "The combine, I don't think throwing's going to be a priority just because it's such a quick turnaround."
Mendoza in February is the clear-cut choice to be the No. 1 pick to the Las Vegas Raiders following his historic 2025 season. Mendoza hesitated to comment much on the expected hiring of Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak but did compliment his development of Sam Darnold. Mendoza did mention minority owner Tom Brady, calling him “a huge football idol of mine”.
Mendoza will throw when it can benefit his teammates
Mendoza is in an advantageous position heading into NFL Draft season. As the presumptive No. 1 pick and no real challengers at the position, Mendoza does not need to be a full participant at the Combine.
Instead, the National Championship winning quarterback is choosing to participate where it benefits his teammates, more than just himself. This is a common practice for quarterbacks projected to go early. Use their position as an opportunity to highlight teammates that are not as highlighted.
While Mendoza may not do much at the combine, he will be a full participant at the Indiana Pro Day. More for his teammates than any draft stock he could gain that would result from his throwing at Indiana.
“I want to make sure I give my guys the best chance,” Mendoza told the Pat McAfee show. “I want to throw at pro day with my guys, with my running backs and be there with the boys.”
Mendoza will look to aid in raising the draft stock of his teammates, WR Elijah Sarratt, WR Omar Cooper Jr, RB Roman Hemby, and RB Kaelon Black. The Indiana Pro Day will take place on April 1, 2026.
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