NFL Scouting Combine 2026: Projected No. 1 Pick Mendoza Opts to Showcase Skills at Indiana Pro Day
Indianapolis, IN – The NFL Scouting Combine is underway, but one of the draft’s most highly anticipated prospects, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, will not be participating in on-field throwing drills. Mendoza, widely projected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, has made the decision to reserve his throwing showcase for Indiana University’s Pro Day on April 1st. This strategic move allows the Heisman Trophy winner to demonstrate his abilities alongside the teammates he’s most comfortable with, a factor he emphasized in recent comments.
The decision, first reported by ESPN, comes as little surprise, given Mendoza’s dominant collegiate career and the Raiders’ clear interest. The Raiders, who secured the No. 1 overall pick after a challenging 2025 season, will still have ample opportunity to interview Mendoza at the combine, but will have to wait until April to see him throw in a football setting. The Raiders finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record, leading to the top draft selection. The team is undergoing a rebuild under new head coach Klint Kubiak, and Mendoza is seen as the cornerstone of that effort.
Prioritizing Familiarity and Team Chemistry
Mendoza explained his reasoning in a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” stating, “At the combine, you’re throwing to receivers you don’t know. It’s a completely different situation.” He continued, “I seek to make sure I give my guys the best stage possible. I want to throw with my receivers and running backs at Pro Day and be there with the guys.” This sentiment underscores Mendoza’s emphasis on team dynamics and his desire to showcase his chemistry with his college teammates. He specifically mentioned wanting to perform with wide receivers Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper Jr., and EJ Williams Jr., tight ends Riley Nowakowski and Holden Staes, and running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black at his Pro Day.
The Indiana Hoosiers enjoyed a historic 2025 season, culminating in an undefeated run and a National Championship victory on January 19th. Mendoza’s performance was central to that success, earning him the Heisman Trophy and solidifying his status as the top quarterback prospect in the draft. The demanding schedule, however, also played a role in his decision. Mendoza noted that the season was particularly grueling, with some players, including running back Kaelon Black, having already participated in the Senior Bowl, effectively playing a 17-game season. “That’s basically a full NFL season,” Mendoza said.
Raiders’ Perspective and Combine Focus
Although the Las Vegas Raiders would have welcomed the opportunity to see Mendoza throw at the combine, the team understands and respects his decision. The combine provides a crucial platform for evaluating a wide range of prospects, and the Raiders’ front office and coaching staff will be actively engaged in interviews and assessments throughout the week. The team currently has approximately $91.5 million in salary cap space, according to Over the Cap, providing them with financial flexibility to build a supporting cast around their future quarterback.
The Raiders’ focus at the combine will extend beyond Mendoza. They will be evaluating potential offensive line additions, a critical require given the importance of protecting their prized quarterback. Improving the offensive line is considered a top priority for the Raiders as they aim to provide Mendoza with the necessary support to succeed as a rookie. The team will also be assessing defensive prospects, seeking to bolster a unit that struggled at times during the 2025 season.
The Significance of Pro Day
Pro Days have become increasingly important events in the NFL draft process, offering teams a more controlled environment to evaluate prospects with their preferred receivers and in familiar settings. For a quarterback like Mendoza, who values chemistry and rapport with his targets, the Pro Day format is particularly appealing. It allows him to demonstrate his accuracy, arm strength, and decision-making skills in a context that more closely resembles a game situation.
Indiana’s Pro Day on April 1st is now circled on the calendars of NFL scouts and executives. The event is expected to draw significant attention, as teams will be eager to see Mendoza in action and assess his potential to lead a franchise. The Pro Day will also provide an opportunity for Mendoza’s teammates to showcase their talents and potentially improve their own draft stock.
Beyond the Combine: Evaluating Mendoza’s Fit
The Raiders’ evaluation of Mendoza will extend beyond his on-field performance. The team will be conducting thorough background checks, personality assessments, and interviews to determine if he is a good fit for their organization and the culture they are building under Coach Kubiak. The Raiders’ ownership group, including majority owner Mark Davis and minority owner Tom Brady, were reportedly in attendance at Indiana’s National Championship game, demonstrating their keen interest in Mendoza.
The success of the Raiders’ rebuild hinges on their ability to surround Mendoza with the right pieces. Addressing the offensive line, adding playmakers at the receiver position, and strengthening the defense will be crucial steps in that process. The NFL Draft, along with free agency, will provide the Raiders with the opportunity to make significant improvements to their roster and lay the foundation for a successful future.
Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will not throw at the combine this week, per source. He will throw at Indiana’s pro day on April 1st, when the school has multiple pass catchers that Mendoza wants to help showcase.
—Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 21, 2026
The NFL Draft is scheduled to seize place in Detroit, Michigan, from April 23-25. All eyes will be on the Las Vegas Raiders as they prepare to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise. The Raiders are hoping Mendoza can bring the same championship success he experienced at Indiana to the professional level.
The next key date for Mendoza and the Raiders is Indiana’s Pro Day on April 1st, where Mendoza will finally have the opportunity to showcase his skills to NFL teams in a setting of his choosing. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how he performs and what impact it has on his draft evaluation.
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