We at Pro Football Rumors have been careful with our wording, ensuring not to vow or guarantee anything that isn’t confirmed or complete. In accordance with something Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network said recently in an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, we may give you the chance to begin speaking with a bit more certainty.
As an example, because the season got here to an end, we’ve said Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the “likely No. 1 overall pick,” “the anticipated No. 1 pick,” and “the overwhelming favorite to change into the No. 1 overall pick within the 2026 NFL Draft.” We’ve also often tied a selected team to him, saying the Raiders No. 1 overall pick is “virtually unattainable” and that the team drafting Mendoza is “all but a sure thing,” “all but certain,” and “an amazing expectation.”
In his guest appearance on the show, Jeremiah was asked if the Raiders are “100% locked in” on taking Mendoza with the primary pick of the draft. Jeremiah laid out Mendoza’s recent schedule in an try and paint a transparent picture. Per Jeremiah, Mendoza has been working recently with former NFL quarterback and quarterbacks coach Brian Griese, a fellow Miami-native and Columbus HS (FL) grad.
He explained that Mendoza isn’t just working on mechanics with Griese, cleansing up footwork or release motions. No, Jeremiah asserted that Griese and Mendoza are working on “installing the Raiders’ offense.” Jeremiah equated the situation to that of former No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow, who was cemented into his draft position early enough that he was capable of utilize the time leading as much as the NFL draft learning his future team’s offensive concepts and verbiage.
Jeremiah’s assertions served to substantiate what we’ve been dancing around for months. That is, essentially, a done deal. The draft expert told his hosts he’d be “shocked, stunned, (and) astonished if (Mendoza) will not be the primary overall pick.” He concluded by asserting that he doesn’t see it moving into another direction.