General manager John Spytek emphasized the thorough, data-driven process behind the choice. He noted Mendoza was evaluated in person three times, including fall and playoff games, and that the team visited him at the combine, attended his Bloomington pro day, shared meals, and hosted him in Las Vegas. Spytek said Mendoza “kept checking boxes,” making the pick feel right at the right time.
Ahead of the selection, Mendoza received public support from Tom Brady, the Raiders’ minority owner who is expected to play a mentoring role in his development. Mendoza indicated Brady told him he would push him to improve and pour into whatever quarterback Las Vegas has, signaling a hands-on approach to his growth.
Mendoza also earned positive feedback from former teammates, including Indiana running back Kaelon Black, who called him the most talented quarterback in the mix and praised Mendoza’s detail-oriented, humble, and hungry mindset. Black credited Mendoza as a key factor in Indiana’s progress, noting there was no one more detail-focused on the team.
Statistically, Mendoza’s 2024 season at Indiana featured a strong PFF profile: an overall 87.9 grade (30th among 302 qualified QBs) and a 83.7 passing grade (35th at the position). He threw for 2,758 yards and 32 touchdowns against five interceptions across 336 dropbacks, adding 16 big-time throws and nine turnover-worthy plays.
The Raiders’ decision to draft Mendoza positions him to develop under a mentorship-forward framework, with Brady and the organization intent on accelerating his transition to a franchise quarterback. The move signals Las Vegas’s aim to establish long-term stability at the sport’s most pivotal position.
