In the end, there was no mystery as expected — Fernando Mendoza is a Las Vegas Raider.
In a move that has been expected for months, the Raiders believe they got their new franchise quarterback by taking the Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana.
Mendoza is completely on board with joining the Silver and Black.
“What a great organizatiob and legacy … looking forward to talking to my teammates, coaches and owners. I’m ecstatic for this opportunity,” Mendoza told NFL Network moments after he was drafted.
Mendoza also had a message for Raider Nation:
In a call with Las Vegas media members, Mendoza said he is excited to play for Klint Kubiak and he thinks the quarterback can be a point guard in the offense. He is also excited to have p[art owner Tom Brady as a mentor, calling it an edge for the team.
Raiders’ general manager John Spytek to the team’s website that Mendoza checked boxes during the entire draft processs and that he beleives the quarterback “is the right guy for the Raiders.”
Brady tweeted out a welcome to Mendoza.
Here’s some X reactions to the selection: