BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — At Indiana University’s most significant pro day in school history, Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza once again proved why he’s considered the top prospect in this month’s NFL draft.
The quarterback began his workout Wednesday by warming up with his former college roommate as nearly two dozen teammates ran through 40-yard dash drills. What followed was another stellar display from the player widely expected to hear his name called first on draft night.
Representatives from all 32 NFL franchises attended the event, along with more than 100 credentialed media members and numerous family and friends of former Hoosiers. The massive turnout centered around seeing Mendoza perform, and he used the opportunity to help showcase his former teammates’ talents for professional scouts.
“I feel like it went great,” Mendoza commented after completing approximately 56 throws inside the John Mellencamp Pavilion. “You know quarterbacks have passed, have done shorter pro days than that. However, I just wanted to make sure everybody could showcase their abilities in front of all 32 NFL teams and really run routes that are applicable to the timing we’re going to be running in the NFL.”
During his workout, Mendoza demonstrated his versatility by completing passes at various distances and directions, including throws while moving outside the pocket. The 6-foot-5, 22-year-old wasn’t flawless, missing receiver Elijah Sarratt on a deep route by about half a yard among several incomplete attempts.
However, perfection wasn’t necessary for the former California prep standout and Cal transfer, who appears to have already secured his position as the likely top selection for the Las Vegas Raiders. The Boston native has long admired Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, making the potential pairing seem ideal.
Brady’s attention was certainly captured by Mendoza’s championship season, as the NFL legend attended January’s national title game in Miami alongside Raiders majority owner Mark Davis and general manager John Spytek.
Last season, Mendoza posted remarkable statistics, connecting on 72% of his attempts for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdown passes against just six interceptions. He demonstrated his athleticism with a spectacular scrambling touchdown in the championship game and led Indiana past elite programs including Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, and Miami to claim the school’s first solo Big Ten championship since 1945 and inaugural national football title.
While Mendoza opted out of workouts at February’s NFL scouting combine, he participated fully in Wednesday’s throwing session under the watchful eye of coach Curt Cignetti and television cameras positioned in both end zones. His commitment to professional preparation was evident in his physical transformation.
The quarterback appeared at 236 pounds, gaining 11 pounds from his listed college weight. This added bulk should help him withstand hits from the larger, more athletic pass rushers he’ll face at the professional level.
Despite his success, Mendoza acknowledged he still has areas for improvement.
“I’m putting all of my efforts toward just trying to be the best quarterback possible for the season,” he explained. “But I know at the next level, there’s going to be a lot more snaps under center and that’s a big adjustment. I need to get used to that and just the nature of the game. Not only that, the hash (marks) are more condensed and the speed of the game is faster. So all those things, I look forward to learning.”
Regarding his interactions with Las Vegas, Mendoza revealed he’s already met with the Raiders twice – once during the combine and again via video conference. One additional meeting is planned before the franchise makes its selection on April 23. Now he can only wait as the draft approaches.
The pro day also provided an emotional moment for Mendoza to reflect on his final college season with his teammates, who concluded their workout by sprinting to the end zone for a group embrace.
“You have to take a second to kind of realize what we have all accomplished together here,” Mendoza said, referencing his teammates. “It was a little bit of a moment of a gratitude, looking at those guys and really seeing the special moments I’ve had with each individual. It’s unlikely we’ll all play on the same team again, but, hopefully, I’ll get to play against and with some of those guys again.”
