Mendoza shared a telling lesson from Peyton Manning at the Manning Passing Academy with Andrew Chernoff of WISH-TV News: during a play-action drill, he delivered a strike, but Manning corrected his footwork, saying, “that’s the wrong footwork.” The moment underscored how crucial footwork is when the run action doesn’t draw defenders away.
The quarterback highlighted that, in today’s NFL, the ability to make a throw isn’t enough; the real differentiator is the small, technical details. He recalled Manning’s guidance as a reminder that “the details” and the margin for error are what separate good quarterbacks from great ones, especially within the Indiana offense’s rhythm.
With Tom Brady aboard as a minority owner, there’s an obvious emphasis on a quarterback who meticulously attends to those nuances. The presence of Brady in the Raiders’ orbit aligns with Mendoza’s approach, suggesting a potential fit in a franchise that values precision and preparation at the most visible position.
Former Raiders defensive lineman Reggie Kinlaw weighed in on Mendoza as well, calling him a smart, coachable kid who reads defenses well and has a mobile frame at 6-foot-5. Kinlaw noted Mendoza’s maturity and love for the game, while acknowledging that he will need to adjust as he makes the leap to the pros.
Kinlaw’s assessment complements Mendoza’s own emphasis on film study and process, painting a picture of a quarterback who combines intellect with athleticism and a genuine work ethic. As Mendoza progresses toward the 2026 draft, those traits—documented through Manning’s guidance and veteran input—will be central to how scouts and the Raiders weigh the prospect.
Overall, Mendoza’s early lessons from Manning, his attention to the smallest details, and positive endorsements from former Raiders figures keep him squarely in the conversation as a potential face of the franchise for Las Vegas, should he be selected with the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
