Overview
- Mendoza, widely projected to be the Raiders’ first overall pick Thursday, will watch from his Miami home instead of attending the Pittsburgh draft event.
- He said staying home best accommodates his mother, Elsa, who lives with multiple sclerosis, and lets more relatives and mentors share the moment.
- Peyton Manning said the league asked him to encourage Mendoza to attend, but the quarterback kept his decision to celebrate at home.
- Scouts and reporters say his accuracy, footwork, and timing make him a clean fit for coordinator Klint Kubiak’s offense in Las Vegas.
- Tom Brady told Mendoza he would mentor him if drafted by the Raiders, and veteran Kirk Cousins offers a bridge in the quarterback room, while a No. 1 selection would mark a rare representation milestone for a Hispanic quarterback.