Stephen A. Smith Doesn’t Think Raiders Are a Good Fit for Fernando Mendoza, but Wants Tom Brady to Make the Call

National Champion quarterback, Fernando Mendoza is projected to be the first overall draft pick and play for the Las Vegas Raiders along side Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers.

Stephen A. Smith Doesn’t Think Raiders Are a Good Fit for Fernando Mendoza, but Wants Tom Brady to Make the Call

Tom Brady, Fernando Mendoza and Stephen A. Smith inside the circle (Image via IMAGO)

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Stephen A. Smith delivered a stern warning to the Las Vegas Raiders about using their first overall pick to draft Fernando Mendoza. Smith is a huge fan of Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, but he’s not on board with the idea of the Heisman Trophy winner suiting up in the Raiders’ black and silver.

Mendoza found himself under the spotlight after leading Indiana to an unbeaten season. The Hoosiers went on to secure victories in the Big Ten Championship, the Rose Bowl, the Peach Bowl, and the CFP Final. Mendoza is currently the first player projected to be taken in the upcoming NFL draft in Pittsburgh.

Tom Brady and several top executives from the Raiders organization, including Mark Davis, were in Miami to watch Mendoza and the Hoosiers defeat the Hurricanes on their home turf. Smith acknowledged Brady’s efforts to restore the Raiders’ past glory but urged them to use the first overall pick to draft someone other than Mendoza.

I don’t think the [Las Vegas] Raiders would be a good fit for anything. I’m kind of happy for Tom Brady because I love him. I love my guy, but my God, he’s the only good thing about the Raiders. He’s the only thing to celebrate in Las Vegas [because we all love Vegas]… That’s about it. There’s nothing else that’s good about this organization. And so, you know, again, I don’t have any questions about Mendoza.

Stephen A. Smith said in a recent segment of First Take on ESPN

The Raiders won just three games in Brady’s first year as the minority owner of the Vegas club despite making several changes before the season began. Geno Smith threw a league-high 17 interceptions and lost wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to the Jaguars. Highly regarded rookie running back Ashton Jeanty made little impact, and the defense gave up 49 total touchdowns in 17 games.

Why doesn’t Stephen A. Smith want the Raiders to draft Mendoza?

The Raiders are one of the few teams currently without a head coach after Pete Carroll stepped down, leaving the position open. Several high-profile names have already found new homes, foregoing the chance to manage in Sin City.

Stephen A. Smith Doesn't Think Raiders Are a Good Fit for Fernando Mendoza, but Wants Tom Brady to Make the Call
Fernando Mendoza (Image via IMAGO)

On the flip side, Mendoza is fresh off a historic season, and any NFL team would gain from having him as their quarterback.

I believe that [Fernando] Mendoza is going to be a damn good NFL quarterback. He’s 6’5”, 225. He’s going to grow even more. He’s only 22 years of age.  He’s got an NFL body. He can make the requisite throws.

Smith added

Smith highlighted Mendoza’s gusty effort to give Indiana a lead late against Miami. Despite taking a massive hit, the 22-year-old stood up and celebrated with his teammates. Smith thinks the Raiders would waste Mendoza’s potential if they drafted him.

[Mendoza’s] moxie, his guts. You saw that. I mean, put everything on the line and win a national championship. But let’s put into perspective what we’re talking about here when we’re talking about the Raiders. And I know that you have to be awful.

Smith quipped

Mel Kiper Jr. boldly declared that the Raiders are a good fit for Fernando Mendoza

Smith might not be thrilled about Mendoza following Jim Plunkett’s path and cementing his place in Raiders history, but his ESPN colleague, Mel Kiper Jr., thinks this is a savvy move by Brady and Davis.

I see great ball placement on the tape, and he’s a no-brainer to begin Round 1. Las Vegas could start to build something offensively here with Mendoza, running back Ashton Jeanty, and tight end Brock Bowers.

Mel Kiper Jr. said on Get Up (HT/Newsweek)

Mendoza finished his final college year with 3535 yards on 273 completions (72.0%) for 41 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. The 2026 NFL draft is set to take place on April 23 at Acrisure Stadium, home of the Steelers.

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