Everyone believes that quarterback Fernando Mendoza‘s arrival in Las Vegas with the Raiders seems set in stone – or at least that was the logical assumption until recently, because who would pass on the quarterback who made history at a collegiate program that was on the verge of disappearing?
Fernando Mendoza revives Nintendo’s Duck Hunt by smashing flying discs thrown by Jimmy Fallon
After declaring his eligibility for the NFL Draft and closing out a stellar college career, Mendoza has finally broken his silence, offering words that sound very much like a direct nod toward the Silver and Black franchise.
In a recent appearance on the Today Show, Mendoza did not hold back in praising the organization that holds the No. 1 overall pick following a disastrous season. While the team may not appear promising on the surface, the opportunity to work with Tom Brady – who is expected to become more involved on the executive side – represents a major temptation for the Indiana graduate.
“The Raiders have a great culture, they have a great coaching staff, a great ownership group. It’s complete. They’re legitimate guys. I’d be happy ending up anywhere,” Mendoza said, displaying a level of diplomacy that does little to hide his affinity for the Nevada-based team.
From the Raiders’ perspective, the front office appears to share the same sense of urgency. John Spytek, Las Vegas’ general manager, acknowledged the magnitude of the current moment, one in which the franchise must secure both its leader on the sidelines and its leader on the field.
Still, in the NFL, the “obvious” often serves as the prelude to the unexpected.
An open door for the New York Jets?
While analysts such as ESPN‘s Mel Kiper Jr. have labeled the Raiders selecting Mendoza as an “easy” and straightforward decision, dissenting voices suggest a late twist could still be in play.
Nick Faria, a reporter for Jets X-Factor, has cast doubt on the certainty of the move, arguing that Las Vegas’ draft history is, to say the least, unpredictable.
“If I had a gun to my head right now, I think the Raiders would take tackle Mauigoa or the best defensive player over Fernando Mendoza,” Faria said on The Jake Asman Show. His reasoning is rooted in the franchise’s past: “The Raiders do weird things on draft day.”
That theory opens a critical window of opportunity for the New York Jets, who hold the No. 2 overall pick and find themselves desperate for a quarterback after Dante Moore’s decision to remain in college.
