The Las Vegas Raiders opened the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza is expected to turn the fortunes of the franchise around, as the Raiders haven’t won a playoff game since he was born. There’s plenty of reason to believe he will provide long-term stability at the position. Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions during an undefeated 2025 season.
The ‘Mendoza Line’ is baseball terminology for batting at least .200, originating from shortstop Mario Mendoza. While the term has gained widespread recognition as a measure of competent hitting in baseball, it can also be used for comparing current NFL quarterbacks to the most recent first-overall pick. Which quarterbacks are the better or worse options going forward than Fernando Mendoza? There are plenty of factors involved, including age, injury history, talent, and production.
Comparing Fernando Mendoza to Other Current Quarterbacks
Better Options than Fernando Mendoza
Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Justin Herbert
There are only seven signal-callers who are clearly better for a franchise in the future than Mendoza. Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson are all unique talents who have proven to play at an MVP level. While Joe Burrow has dealt with injuries throughout his career, he’s been dominant when healthy. Justin Herbert has struggled in the playoffs, but he’s an elite talent who should just be entering his prime. Caleb Williams and Drake Maye were better prospects than Mendoza a couple of years ago, and both have already shown plenty of promise.
Likely Better Options Than Fernando Mendoza, But There’s an Argument
Jalen Hurts, Sam Darnold, Trevor Lawrence, Jordan Love, Brock Purdy
Each of the past two Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks is probably better to have under center long-term than Mendoza, but both have questions. Jalen Hurts is a dual-threat playmaker who meets the moment in big games, but there are concerns about his limitations as a passer. Sam Darnold has completed one of the greatest career turnarounds in NFL history and is showing why he was such a coveted A prospect back in 2018. While Darnold is certainly talented, a case can be made that Mendoza has a higher ceiling.
Trevor Lawrence has had an up-and-down career since being hyped as a generational talent half a decade ago. He seemed to find his footing down the stretch in 2025, but can he sustain that high level of play? Jordan Love and Brock Purdy have consistently been very good, but can they ascend to elite status?
Can Go Either Way Compared to Fernando Mendoza
Jared Goff, Dak Prescott, Bo Nix, Cam Ward, Baker Mayfield, Jayden Daniels
Jared Goff and Dak Prescott are established fringe top-ten quarterbacks who have a higher floor than Mendoza. With that being said, both have already been in the NFL for a decade. While neither is at the end of their respective careers, it’s fair to wonder if they are better long-term options than Mendoza. Bo Nix has been steady through two seasons, and his higher floor and lower ceiling make for an interesting debate against his new division rival.
Cam Ward was a comparable prospect to Mendoza in 2025; it’s just a matter of which quarterback develops better in the coming years. Speaking of former first-overall picks, Baker Mayfield has had his share of highs and lows in the NFL. Mayfield has proven he can play at a Pro Bowl level, but can he do so more consistently? From a pure talent perspective, Jayden Daniels is better than Mendoza. However, his injury concerns lower his floor.
Taking Fernando Mendoza Because of Longevity
Matthew Stafford
The reigning NFL MVP is an interesting case. Matthew Stafford is obviously better than Mendoza right now, but he is 38. While the Rams are better off with Stafford since they’re in win-now mode, most teams are better off with the quarterback who has much more football ahead of him.
Leaning Towards Fernando Mendoza
Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, Malik Willis
Bryce Young has improved each of his first three seasons, but there’s doubt whether he will be a player who can elevate his franchise. C.J. Stroud looked like a force multiplier as a rookie, but back-to-back pedestrian seasons make Mendoza the more viable option. Jaxson Dart showed flashes as a rookie, but durability concerns add long-term risk. Although Tyler Shough exceeded expectations as a rookie, Mendoza is still a better talent with higher upside. When it comes to upside, Malik Willis has plenty. While his physical traits are undeniable, his small sample size still leaves a lot of uncertainty about whether he is a franchise quarterback.
Easily Taking Fernando Mendoza
Geno Smith, Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Jacoby Brissett, J.J. McCarthy, Kyler Murray, Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Aaron Rodgers, Daniel Jones
Not much has to be said when comparing Mendoza to these quarterbacks. Whether it’s aging veterans, players with major injury concerns, or former highly-touted prospects who haven’t performed, there isn’t a case to build a franchise around these quarterbacks instead of Mendoza.
Main Image: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
