What We Learned during Friday’s activities in Indianapolis

5) Mendoza eyeing all-time nice as potential mentor. Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza is the overwhelming favourite to be the No. 1 decide in the 2026 NFL Draft of the Las Vegas Raiders, however he mentioned Friday at the combine that he’d be pleased being chosen anyplace.

“I know (the Raiders) have the No. 1 pick, but anything can happen in the draft,” Mendoza mentioned. “Excited for the opportunity and whatever team drafts me, I am going to give everything I got to them.”

Mendoza added: “I’m just trying to be the best me possible, and whatever team drafts me, I’m grateful, whether it’s the No. 1 pick, or whether it’s, you know, the 199th pick.”

If that draft placement sounds acquainted, it is as a result of it was the well-known touchdown spot of Tom Brady in the 2000 NFL Draft — the identical Brady who’s a minority proprietor of the Raiders. During Mendoza’s formal mix interview with the Raiders, he mentioned he was in a position to say “a brief hi” to Brady on the telephone, and that he’d like to in the future meet Brady in particular person.

Mendoza’s appreciation for Brady is robust, and the quarterback would relish the possibility to work with the longer term Hall of Famer.

“Yeah, I mean, who hasn’t admired Tom Brady? I mean, more Super Bowl rings than anybody…anybody!” Mendoza mentioned. “So, that chance can be unbelievable. Tom Brady, I imagine, is the best quarterback of all time — by a large margin — and to have the ability to have the chance to be mentored by him, would… imply a lot.

“Especially to learn, and I’m all about learning. So from Day 1, you know, I’ve got to learn a lot. It’s gonna be a long journey, and to potentially have a mentor like that, it would be pretty impressive and pretty meaningful.”