Overview
- At Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Fernando Mendoza led an extended throwing session that he designed to highlight receivers and backs, with one local outlet reporting he attempted nearly 60 passes and that many were dropped.
- He returned to campus beforehand to rehearse the script with teammates, then called out names and routes during drills to keep timing crisp in a format NFL scouts would recognize.
- Teammates praised the approach as selfless and effective, with tight end Riley Nowakowski and running back Roman Hemby saying Mendoza used his secure draft status to boost their chances.
- WIBC reported executives from all 32 NFL teams attended, including the Las Vegas Raiders, and separate coverage has framed Mendoza as a candidate for the No. 1 pick.
- Mendoza said the next step is adapting to pro demands such as more snaps under center, tighter field hashes, and a faster pace, with draft decisions coming April 23–25.