Brett Favre Makes Moving Comments About Fernando Mendoza Ahead of NFL Draft

Brett Favre lauded former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza's leadership qualities but cast doubt on his skills as a quarterback.

Brett Favre Makes Moving Comments About Fernando Mendoza Ahead of NFL Draft

Fernando Mendoza and Brett Favre inside the circle (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Fernando Mendoza is projected as the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with mixed opinions on his talent.
  • Brett Favre praised Mendoza's leadership but expressed doubts about his mechanics and overall talent.
  • The Raiders are interested in drafting Mendoza but may not start him immediately to limit pressure on the young quarterback.

Even though Fernando Mendoza appears to be a lock for the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft in Pittsburgh, there is a fraction that does not share the same opinion. Recently, retired NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky placed Alabama graduate Ty Simpson ahead of Mendoza in the top QB prospects list after reviewing a chunk of last year’s tape.

That said, Orlovsky is part of the minority in this case. Orlovsky’s colleague at ESPN, Mel Kiper Jr., does not doubt that Mendoza is the best quarterback in the draft.

Mendoza is the No. 1 prospect on my board and far and away the best QB in the class. He is competitive and precise with his ball location.

Kiper Jr. wrote in his mock draft report

The veteran draft expert received support from the Packers’ legendary signal caller, Brett Favre. Speaking with TMZ, the Hall of Famer noted that Mendoza displayed solid leadership qualities while starring for the Hoosiers in college.

I don’t know if there’s a better leader out there at the quarterback position, certainly not in college… Just a classy, young man.

Favre said

While Favre may view Mendoza as a leader, he remains unconvinced of his quarterback mechanics.

I don’t think he’s overly talented, and I don’t mean any disrespect that way. I think he does everything well enough to win.

Favre quipped

In that aspect, Favre stood behind Orlovsky’s hypothesis regarding the CFP champion. From his point of view, Mendoza does a good job of limiting his mistakes rather than making flashy plays, which can easily translate into a turnover for the opposing team.

[He makes] very good decisions—I think that’s his superpower. He avoids negative plays. But when you’re talking about first pick, first pick, I’m just not there.

Orlovsky had said

Mendoza played 16 and won 16 in his senior year with the Hoosiers of Indiana. He completed 273 passes, completed 72% of his attempted passes (the best of his career), threw for 3535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. If that was not enough, Mendoza used his 6-foot-5 frame to score 7 TDs on the ground.

During the CFP Final against #10 Miami, Mendoza avoided a couple of tackles and used his entire tall frame to score a rushing touchdown. But that was not the best part about the play. Despite getting crunched by a Miami defender at the goal line, the 22-year-old under center hung on to the ball to secure a memorable victory.

Raiders general manager gives his honest opinion about Fernando Mendoza ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft

If everything proceeds as per Kiper Jr.’s projection, then Mendoza should end up with the Raiders in 2026. The Vegas franchise earned the right to draft first overall after finishing 4-13 last year. With Geno Smith‘s future in question and Kenny Pickett not viewed as a starter, they are the favorites to select the best quarterback in the draft.

Brett Favre Makes Moving Comments About Fernando Mendoza Ahead of NFL Draft
Fernando Mendoza (image via IMAGO)

General manager John Spytek, who survived the summer garage sale, provided his honest opinion about the Raiders’ desire to make Mendoza their franchise quarterback. Spytek hinted that they are interested in Fernando, but at the same time, suggested adapting the Packers’ approach to developing the young QB.

I think you want to limit the amount of pressure on that guy from the start. Now, if you have a young quarterback, I’m not necessarily in favor of running him out there right away, either, so another quality player that can play the position if you have a young quarterback.

Spytek said at the NFL Combine

New head coach Klint Kubiak has coached several quarterbacks during his time in the NFL. Last year, he helped Sam Darnold realize his dream of becoming a Super Bowl champion, and shortly after, Tom Brady poached him away in order to see his team emulate similar success in the near future. The training camp will be a litmus test for Mendoza and whether he is capable enough to be a day-one starter.

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