Consensus No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza has taken a calculated step in his pre-draft process ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Fernando Mendoza will not throw at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, choosing instead to showcase his arm at Indiana’s Pro Day on April 1.
The Indiana quarterback is widely projected to be selected first overall, with the Las Vegas Raiders currently holding the top pick.
Mendoza declines combine throwing session
Fernando Mendoza is expected to attend the combine for interviews and medical evaluations but will not participate in passing drills.
He plans to throw in Bloomington during Indiana’s Pro Day, working alongside familiar teammates, something he explained to Pat McAfee recently.
“At the combine, you’re throwing to different receivers, it’s a whole different thing. And I want to make sure I give my guys the best chance. I want to throw at pro day with my guys, with my running backs and be there with the boys.”
The strategy follows a growing pattern among top quarterback prospects who prefer structured Pro Day environments over combine workouts.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, widely regarded as the No. 2 signal-caller in the class, is expected to throw in Indianapolis.
Top draft projection remains unchanged
Mendoza, 21, began his collegiate career at Cal before transferring to Indiana, where he guided the program to a national championship campaign.
During the 2025 season, he completed 71.5 percent of his passes for 2,980 yards with 33 touchdowns and six interceptions, while also adding 240 rushing yards and six scores.
Reports indicate his draft standing remains firm despite bypassing the combine throwing drills. Attention now shifts to Indiana’s Pro Day as teams finalize their evaluations ahead of April’s draft.
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