The Las Vegas Raiders capitalized on the 'unique' benefit of consulting Tom Brady before selecting Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft. Mendoza's journey from an overlooked two-star recruit to the top of the draft was completed on Thursday night.
Mendoza flashed a big smile at home after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced his name, put on a Raiders cap, and began hugging his family while seated on the couch, reserving the warmest embrace for his mother. The 22-year-old quarterback was not in Pittsburgh for the festivities, choosing instead to celebrate with family and friends at his home in Coral Gables, Florida.
When the broadcast cut to the Raiders' draft 'war room' celebrating the selection of Mendoza, there was no sign of Brady. However, the Raiders minority owner undoubtedly played a role in the decision. General Manager John Spytek was asked how beneficial it has been to have the seven-time Super Bowl champion to lean on.
'He's just always been a great partner to me and really to this Raiders organization,' Spytek told NFL Network after the Mendoza pick. 'Whatever we've needed him to do or be a part of, he has. Specifically when you're evaluating a quarterback and there's this much involved, to have Tom be a part of that is a unique and special part of the process.'
Mendoza will head to Las Vegas on Friday to begin an NFL career that seemed improbable when few colleges showed interest in him out of high school. 'The last five months have been such a blessing by God, and I can't thank Him enough,' Mendoza said. 'I'm just looking forward to getting to work, proving it at the next level. College was fantastic. I'm so blessed to have that career, but now I step into a great game, the NFL. I look forward to proving myself and earning it every single day.'
Mendoza was widely expected to be taken first by the Raiders as they embark on a new era with a new head coach in Klint Kubiak and a new quarterback. This continues a remarkable year for Mendoza after he inspired the Indiana Hoosiers to national championship glory in January, capping off a stunning final season in college football.
Mendoza is the fifth No. 1 pick in the last nine in-person drafts (the 2020 draft was held virtually) to skip the spectacle and celebrate privately with family and friends, joining Travon Walker, Trevor Lawrence, Baker Mayfield, and Myles Garrett. The poised and polished Mendoza will now have the opportunity to learn from part-owner Brady but must first compete with Kirk Cousins for the starting spot, after the veteran quarterback signed with the Raiders earlier this offseason.
