No. 1 NFL Draft Pick Fernando Mendoza Says He's at 'Bottom of Totem Pole'
Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, told reporters he's at the "bottom of the totem pole" and still considers himself an underdog. The Las Vegas Raiders selected the Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana University.
Fernando Mendoza made it clear he's not getting ahead of himself despite being the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback said he's still at the "bottom of the totem pole" in the NFL.
"Although I was picked today one out of 32 - I'm not one out of 32 quarterbacks at this moment," Mendoza explained after the draft. "So, I need to work every single day possible, because I'm on the bottom of the totem pole."
Mendoza had a stellar final season at Indiana University, winning both the Heisman Trophy and leading his team to a national championship. But he knows college success doesn't guarantee NFL stardom.
"I believe I'm still the underdog," Mendoza said. "Once I got drafted, I'm now part of the NFL, and I can tell you right now I am not one out of 32 starting quarterbacks at this moment."
The Raiders are betting big on Mendoza to turn around their franchise. Being the No. 1 pick comes with huge expectations and pressure to perform immediately.
This shows the pressure even top draft picks face in the NFL. Mendoza's humble attitude could signal how he'll handle the intense expectations that come with being the first player chosen and leading a struggling Raiders team.
Mendoza will report to Raiders training camp this summer to compete for the starting quarterback job.
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