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Fernando Mendoza Hails Tom Brady GOAT Status Amid Raiders Draft Buzz originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine unfolds, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is viewed as the consensus top prospect, with eyes firmly on the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 pick. On that note, Mendoza didn't shy away this week from expressing his admiration for Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, viewing Brady as the ideal guide for his professional journey.
Speaking to reporters, Mendoza said, "Yeah, I mean, who hasn't admired Tom Brady? More Super Bowl rings than anybody. So, that opportunity would be fantastic. Tom Brady, I believe, is the best 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." He added that learning from Brady would be "pretty impressive and pretty meaningful," especially as he embarks on his NFL career.
Fernando Mendoza calls Tom Brady “greatest QB of all-time by a wide margin.”
— TB EGO (@TomBradyEgo) February 27, 2026
pic.twitter.com/QVGQKxSS05
Mendoza's interview with the Raiders reportedly went well, involving film review and whiteboard sessions with the coaching staff. League insiders widely expect Las Vegas to select him first overall, addressing their long-standing need for a franchise signal-caller. An anonymous ESPN poll of eight NFL executives, coaches, and players unanimously predicted the Raiders would draft Mendoza.
This buzz comes as the Raiders aim to rebuild after an 8-9 finish in 2025, with Brady's involvement adding intrigue. Mendoza's poise and arm talent have drawn comparisons to elite passers, and his eagerness to absorb knowledge from Brady could accelerate his development at the next level.
While the draft remains two months away, Mendoza's comments reflect the excitement surrounding his potential pairing with the legendary QB.
En route to a national title this past season, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions.
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