Anonymous ACC Coach Questions Raiders' No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza's NFL Traits

Fernando Mendoza rocketed up NFL draft boards during the 2025 college football season. The Indiana Hoosiers quarterback won the Heisman Trophy and led his team to a national championship.

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft. He joins a squad under head coach Klint Kubiak and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who will mentor the rookie.

An anonymous ACC coach emerged as a critic on Monday. He told ESPN he does not believe Mendoza possesses NFL traits. The coach faced Mendoza when the quarterback played for the Cal Golden Bears.

"He's a good decision-maker, but I don't think he's got the NFL traits," the coach said. "They're all back-shoulder (throws). That's not working in the NFL. His receivers made plays to make him look better than he is. In the NFL, those throws are getting picked off."

Mendoza displayed grit at Indiana, including a game-winning touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. against Penn State. Cooper caught the ball and dragged his toe in bounds with 36 seconds left, preserving the Hoosiers' perfect season.

Raiders general manager John Spytek said last month he rejected trade offers for the top pick. He was confident in selecting Mendoza.

"I think any coach is excited to work with a big, athletic, talented thrower that is extremely smart and a very driven worker, and that’s been our experience with Fernando," Spytek said. "That’s a great starting spot for any quarterback."

Mendoza's heart stood out through the season, including the national title game against the Miami Hurricanes. That quality drew interest from NFL teams. In his only year at Indiana, he posted 3,535 passing yards and 41 touchdown passes.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.