Overview
- Indiana’s Heisman winner said his formal meeting with the Raiders was “fantastic,” detailing board work with coaches and a brief phone hello from minority owner Tom Brady.
- Multiple outlets report growing league expectation that Las Vegas will keep the top pick for Mendoza, including an ESPN poll in which all eight evaluators predicted the Raiders select him.
- Local reporting noted a Jets–Titans player swap as a sign New York is likely to remain at No. 2, reinforcing the view that Las Vegas is unlikely to move off the top spot.
- Head coach Klint Kubiak praised Mendoza’s winning background and said he is excited to keep learning about the quarterback as the team continues its evaluation.
- Mendoza confirmed he will not work out at the combine and plans to throw at Indiana’s April 1 pro day, as debate persists over whether the Raiders should trade down to address broader roster needs and with some analysts, such as Dan Orlovsky, voicing higher grades on other QBs.