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Stephen A. appalled Orlovsky doesn't have Mendoza as No. 1 pick (2:04)
Stephen A. Smith can't believe Dan Orlovsky doesn't have Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 pick heading into the 2026 NFL draft. (2:04)
Courtney CroninFeb 27, 2026, 10:01 AM ET
- Courtney Cronin joined ESPN in 2017, originally covering the Minnesota Vikings before switching to the Chicago Bears in 2022. Courtney is a frequent panelist on Around the Horn and host of Best Week Ever and GameNight on ESPN Radio. She also co-hosts The Chicago Bears Podcast on ESPN 1000. She previously worked at the San Jose Mercury News as a multimedia sports journalist.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Presumptive first overall pick Fernando Mendoza is eager at the prospect of being mentored by future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady.
During his formal interview with the Las Vegas Raiders this week in Indianapolis, Mendoza said he spoke briefly on the phone with Brady, who is a minority owner of the Raiders. The former Indiana quarterback characterized the interaction as "very special" and hoped to meet Brady in person should he be drafted by Las Vegas in April.
"I mean, who hasn't admired Tom Brady?" Mendoza said Friday morning. "That opportunity would be fantastic. Tom Brady, I believe, was the greatest quarterback of all time by a wide margin and to be able to have the opportunity to be mentored by him, it would mean so much. And especially to learn, and I'm all about learning. So from day one, I got to learn a lot. It's going to be a long journey. And to potentially have a mentor like that, it'd be pretty impressive and pretty meaningful."
While Mendoza is a heavy favorite to be selected first overall, he downplayed any guarantee of being selected by the Raiders, who own the top pick in the draft after finishing 3-14 last season.
"Well, the pick has not been selected yet," Mendoza said. "Whatever team drafts me, I'm extremely grateful, Whether it's the No. 1 pick or the last pick in the draft, I'd be blessed and honored to be drafted by any team and give them my all."
Mendoza came away impressed by his interactions with the Raiders staff. During the 20-minute session, coaches went over specific plays from Mendoza's college career before having the Heisman trophy winner draw plays on the white board.
"It was a fantastic interview," Mendoza said. "The coaching staff was in there. We went over some of my previous plays, drew some plays on the board. I thought it was a great meeting, and I know they have the prospective No. 1 pick, but anything can happen in the draft. I'm just excited for the opportunity. Whatever team drafts me, I'm just going to give everything I have to them."
Mendoza led Indiana to its first national championship in program history during an undefeated season in 2025. He was named on 95.16% of all Heisman Trophy ballots, which is tied with Marcus Mariota for the second highest in the award's history.
