Fernando Mendoza faces criticism over NFL traits after Raiders draft him first

10 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 4

An anonymous ACC coach told ESPN on Monday the former Indiana and Cal quarterback's back-shoulder throws would be intercepted in the NFL.
The criticism follows Mendoza's rise after winning the Heisman Trophy, leading Indiana to a national championship and posting 3,535 passing yards with 41 touchdowns in 2025.
Raiders general manager John Spytek has defended the pick, while Mendoza begins his rookie transition in Henderson under head coach Klint Kubiak with veteran Kirk Cousins expected to mentor him.

Is Mendoza's greatest college strength—the back-shoulder throw—actually the critical flaw that will derail his NFL career?

Will a year on the bench learning from Kirk Cousins forge a franchise QB, or will it stall the momentum of a Heisman winner?