Can Fernando Mendoza end this trend?
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesWe all expect the Las Vegas Raiders to use the No. 1 overall draft pick next month on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The hope is the Heisman Trophy winner can finally give the Silver and Black some stability and be the long-term answer at the most important position on the field.
There is no reason why the talented Mendoza can't provide the Raiders what they desire and be the Raiders' starting quarterback and the face of the franchise for the next decade.
However, there is some recent history around the league that suggest it is far from a sure thing. Former NFL general manager Mike Tannebaum, via ESPN, that former Arizona Cardinals' quarterback Kyler Murray is the seven consecutive quarterback who was drafted at No. 1 not to be with that team by the team he turned 30.
Remarkable statistic from @ESPNstatsinfo1 about QB drafting and development; Kyler Murray will be the 7th straight QB drafted 1st overall by his team and didn't make until the age of 30 (Matt Stafford was the last one to do it)!
- Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) March 9, 2026
This data has no affect on the Raiders and Mendoza, of course, yet, it is a reminder that there are no sure things.
In other Raiders' news:
In other Raiders' news:
- FEED talk:Check out this FEED post and join the party.
- Quite a haul: PFF talks up the Raiders' early moves in free agency.
- Winners, losers: Yahoo has winners, losers of the Maxx Crosby saga.