Most indicators level to the Las Vegas Raiders choosing Fernando Mendoza with the highest total choose within the 2026 NFL Draft. What is far much less sure, nevertheless, are Mendoza’s probabilities of turning into a star within the execs.
One concern surrounding Mendoza is whether or not the Indiana Hoosiers product will be capable to adapt to a pro-style offense after closely counting on RPO ideas in faculty.
The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner addressed that concern throughout a recent appearance on “Football 301 with Nate Tice.”
“The RPO narrative can positively be seen as a knock,” Mendoza stated, as transcribed by Eduardo Razo of Heavy.com. “Nonetheless, I’ve really had 4 totally different offensive coordinators and 4 totally different techniques, from pro-style my freshman 12 months to run-and-shoot, to pure Air Raid, and final 12 months, a extra multiple-front strategy.”
The 22-year-old Mendoza additionally believes his expertise working in an RPO scheme will profit him as he tries to study the nuances of taking part in below middle within the NFL.
“I additionally assume the RPO forces you to make split-second selections, studying defenders and the way they transfer, and reacting in actual time,” added Mendoza.
Assuming that Las Vegas does choose Mendoza, new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak can have a giant accountability in growing Mendoza. It could not occur straight away, however Mendoza, given his talent set and intelligence, does venture to be somebody who can excel below Kubiak, who simply helped the Seattle Seahawks win the Tremendous Bowl final season.
