An underrated aspect of Fernando Mendoza’s game
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers rushes for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesWe all know he reasons why the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick April 23.
The Heisman Trophy-winner has the prototype size, he is accurate, he is intelligent and he is a proven winner. Those traits are all reasons why he projects to be a standout NFL player.
But there is an aspect of Mendoza's game that gets overlooked -- the kid can make plays with his legs. Check out these stats supplied by NFL analysts Nate Tice:
Fernando Mendoza's 71.9% success rate as a runner (designed runs + scrambles) ranked 1st among all FBS QBs in 2025. With a healthy usage, too (64 runs).
- Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) April 1, 2026
Among the 761 FBS QB seasons with 200+ pass attempts and 40+ runs since 2019, Mendoza's 2025 success rate ranks 5th, per... pic.twitter.com/nrXpa37VvI
Those aren't fake numbers. Mendoza can make a difference with his feet as well -- as he saw with his iconic touchdown run in the national championship game. Mendoza is the full package, folks.
In other Raiders' news:
- Need to nail the draft: NFL.com looks at four teams that must hit a home run during the 2026 draft.
- Cousins fit: NFL.com looks at how quarterback Kirk Cousins will fit with the Raiders.