Raiders’ Land “Massive” Quarterback Prospect in Latest Mock Draft
All Las Vegas Raiders’ fans can do at this point is start looking toward the future. Geno Smith doesn’t appear to be in the long-term plans, and at 1-4, it’s best the Raiders start doing their research on this year’s quarterback draft class. One name to keep an eye on is Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, who has started to gain traction among draft analysts.
While he doesn’t have the same national recognition as Arch Manning or Grant Nussmeier, Mendoza’s play has done plenty of talking. Standing at 6’5″ and 225 pounds, he’s a massive quarterback who possesses ideal NFL size and has quickly earned a reputation for his poise and accuracy.
Mendoza has completed 73% of his passes so far for 1,208 yards and 16 touchdowns and just one interception. That, compared to Smith, who currently leads the NFL with nine INTs.
Among the teams projected to explore quarterback options in 2026, the Raiders stand out as an intriguing fit for a player like Mendoza. CBS Sports’ latest mock draft has Las Vegas selecting him with the seventh overall pick, which would be a huge turn in direction from Smith under center.
Why the Raiders Could Eye a Quarterback Like Fernando Mendoza
Here’s what CBS draft analyst Ryan Wilson had to say on Mendoza to the Raiders:
“Fernando Mendoza is a poised, accurate passer who has plus arm talent, consistently delivering catchable balls on time and in rhythm and excelling on layered second-level routes. He shows NFL-level field vision and coverage recognition, consistently ripping throws with anticipation. While not a true creator, Mendoza navigates collapsing pockets effectively and can make accurate off-platform throws, showing a calm, efficient style reminiscent of Jared Goff.”
In a division with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix, the Raiders need to find their star quarterback, and Mendoza checks all those boxes. His mental toughness, accuracy, and decision-making reflect what the Raiders have been desperately searching for all these years.
“He will do everything he can to be the best he can be,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said regarding Mendoza.
If he continues his strong play, his blend of composure, size, and intelligence could make him one of the most appealing options for a team eager to build a sustainable future.
CBS Sports currently gives Mendoza the best odds (+340) of going No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, a testament to just how much his stock has risen in recent months.
While it’s too early to lock in any predictions, the Raiders‘ interest in securing a young, pro-ready quarterback makes sense. And if Mendoza keeps proving himself as a poised, polished leader, he could be exactly the type of prospect capable of guiding Las Vegas into a new era.
NFL Hands Down Significant Punishment to Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones
The NFL is hitting Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in his wallet for an obscene gesture he made during Sunday’s 37-22 victory against the New York Jets.
Jones has been fined $250,000 for what he called an “inadvertent” obscene gesture toward fans, per ESPN Adam Schefter. The 82-year-old owner was seen flashing the middle finger after Dak Prescott’s fourth touchdown pass against the Jets. Jones will have a chance to appeal the fine.
Jerry Jones on @1053thefan on giving the middle finger during Sunday’s game in New Jersey: “That was unfortunate. There was a swarm of Cowboys fans out front. It was right after we made our last touchdown. I put up the wrong show of hand. The intention was thumbs up.”
pic.twitter.com/3QS6ZkD4B1— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 7, 2025
It’s the most recent instance of an owner being fined for an interaction with fans. Last season, Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was fined $300,000 after throwing a drink toward a fan.
In 2009, former Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams was penalized $250,000 for conduct detrimental to the league after making an obscene gesture from his suite.
Sunday’s victory was the most convincing of the season for the Cowboys, who had 416 yards of offense in the matchup. Dallas moved to 2-2-1 with the win.
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Addressed Obscene Gesture
Jones attempted to get ahead of the news, calling his gesture accidental during an interview with 105.3 The Fan in Dallas on Tuesday. He said he was trying to do a thumbs-up to a group of Cowboys fans.
“That was unfortunate. That was kind of an exchange with our fans out in front of us,” Jones said. There was a swarm of Cowboys fans out in front — not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was brimming with enthusiasm of Cowboys, and certainly late in the game.
“[The gesture] was inadvertent on my part because that was right after we made our last touchdown, and we were all excited about it. There wasn’t any antagonistic issue or anything like that. I just put up the wrong show on the hand. That was inadvertently done. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can call it accidental. But it got straightened around pretty quick. I had a chance to look at it. It got straightened out pretty quick, but the intention was ‘thumbs up,’ and basically pointing at our fans because everybody was jumping up and down excited.”
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Backs Dak Prescott as MVP Candidate
Part of the reason Jones was so excited was the play of Prescott. He’s coming off a 237-yard, four-touchdown performance and has racked up numbers this season. Prescott is second in the league in passing yards (1,356) and third in touchdown passes (10).
“I think he is playing at that level,” Jones said of Prescott. “He is obviously right there at the very top of the strengths of this team, and what a place to have it. Of all the places you could have it going well for you, that would be the one you would pick to give you a chance to be in the playoffs.”
Most impressively, Prescott has been working without his top receiver, CeeDee Lamb, who is dealing with an ankle injury. Prescott and Dallas face the Panthers on Sunday in Carolina. The Cowboys are a 3.5-point road favorite for the matchup.
