NFL Combine: What is Fernando Mendoza’s best trait? NFL scouts and executives weigh in

INDIANAPOLIS — Fernando Mendoza may not be the prototypical quarterback we’re used to seeing drafted with the first overall pick. Still, the Indiana quarterback is already the presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and some people around the league clearly understand why that’s the case. An NFL scout told me Mendoza had all the tools, but his ability to handle adverse situations stood out the most as he prepared to make the transition to the pros. “He’s got the composure in the pocket to stand up and deliver, plus the mental aspect,” the NFL scout told me. “He has all the traits of the NFL, none of them are truly elite, but overall he’s a very formidable package.” League sources I spoke with praised the toughness Mendoza showed throughout an undefeated season for the Hoosiers, culminating in the 6-foot-5 signal-caller winning the Heisman Trophy. “His best trait is his mind,” an NFL personnel executive told me. “He’s a pocket QB with sharp eyes and a quick release. He deals with coverage and pressure at a high rate. Good arm strength and excellent accuracy. He’s tough and shows composure in high-stress situations. Excellent makeup. NFL starter.” FOX Sports draft analyst Rob Rang highlighted Mendoza’s toughness, but, along with others around the league, also highlighted the quarterback’s composure. “Many critics were ready to throw themselves [on Mendoza’s failings]”, Rang told me. “It’s actually very similar to what Sam Darnold and the Seahawks just experienced. There were so many people waiting for him to throw an interception, a bad throw to resurrect the “Ghosts” comment with Darnold. It’s the same with Mendoza. “If he had lost a match, it would have been: ‘He can’t win the big match.’ But he was so accurate, especially in the red zone and in high-pressure situations. On third and fourth downs, when it’s time to make a play, for me that’s when Mendoza’s balance and precision stood out. ” Rang said the compositions he heard for Mendoza included Jared Goff, Matt Ryan, Daniel Jones and Matt Hasselbeck. All of these quarterbacks are more cerebral and don’t possess strong arms, he said. With the Las Vegas Raiders expected to take Mendoza No. 1 overall, Rang expects the Indiana product to be a good fit in former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator and new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak’s classic West Coast offense because of the quarterback’s mobility, decision-making and ability to read defenses. [2026 NFL Draft: Fernando Mendoza’s QB Coach Reveals Why He’s Perfect No. 1 for Raiders] “You’re talking about quarterbacks whose bread and butter is recognizing coverages, who have enough mobility to keep the play alive, but who aren’t true jammers,” Rang said. “I don’t believe he has elite arm strength or athleticism. I think he’s pretty good in both of those areas, and then when it comes to accuracy and anticipation and attitude – the intangibles, work ethic and intelligence – I think he’s off the charts.” NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah echoed the sentiment that Mendoza’s arm may not be the more talented, but his tenacity elevates his game and is his main strength. “If you look at all these great quarterbacks over the years, I always stressed that balance was an important part,” Jeremiah said during a conference call. “I did a study of Hall of Famers a long time ago, and you’ll see all different types of sizes and arm strength. You see different athleticism, but they all had a certain composure. And it also has to do with toughness. “When you get coached like he did several times early in the game and you don’t see any rattle in him, he locks up. There is a physical and mental stamina about him that will serve him well. And I imagine with Tom Brady in the building, as someone known for his mental and physical toughness, those qualities would be appreciated. »