Former New York Jets scout Don Kelly has called out Mendoza for not throwing at the upcoming NFL combine.

Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

The Indiana Hoosiers quarterback led the school to national championship glory, and their first undefeated season in program history.

Mendoza won the Heisman trophy after leading Indiana to an undefeated season and national championship glory

Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions, while also rushing for 276 yards and seven more scores last season.

With the NFL Scouting Combine beginning on Thursday, it is the perfect opportunity for prospects to boost their draft stock.

However, in a decision that demonstrates his confidence, Mendoza has decided he will not be participating in on-field drills during the annual showcase.

Mendoza combine decision angers former New York Jets scout

It’s a move that is happening more often with the nations top quarterbacks.

Neither 2025 first-overall pick Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, who suffered a stunning draft slide, threw at last year’s combine.

But regardless of whether it’s becoming the new norm, it is still a bold choice to make, and one that has angered former New York Jets scout Daniel Kelly.

“Of course, Fernando Mendoza wants to avoid being exposed with receivers he’s unfamiliar with in an unfamiliar environment,” he said in a social media post on Sunday.

It’s not the first time that Kelly has shared his thoughts on Mendoza.

“He’s a stiff, rigid, awkward, systematic quarterback,” Kelly said on the Fearless Podcast with Jason Whitlock.

“Everything he does is systematic, he works out of the pocket from his spot, almost like a statue. That’s the first problem.

Kelly believes Mendoza is a fourth-round quarterback

Mendoza has been the target of Kelly’s rants before

“I really question if he can read defenses that well. Because when you do watch him on film, he looks like he knows where he’s going with the ball before it’s even snapped.

“He’s a predetermined 1 to 2 progression thrower, going into a league where you have to read defenses. That’s a huge concern.”

NFC executive hints at what Mendoza’s NFL ‘superpower’ could be

The Las Vegas Raiders currently own the first-overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

It has been suggested Las Vegas should trade the pick due to the multiple holes on their roster.

The fact of the matter is, the Raiders are desperate for a quarterback after the Geno Smith experiment failed in spectacular fashion.

“The Raiders’ roster is bad, but Mendoza is the best passer in the draft and it’s not close,” an NFC executive said via ESPN.

It was nothing short of a disaster for Geno Smith under center for the Raiders in 2025

Raiders fans have made it clear who they want under center in 2026

“You can’t pass that up. He’s accurate to all levels of the field with a good arm, plus-size and good character.”

Despite Colin Cowherd thinking Las Vegas won’t be a good fit, some evaluators believe Mendoza is exactly what the franchise needs.

“That can be his superpower,” a separate NFC executive said about the QB’s demeanor and enthusiasm for the game.

“He’s really that focused, and I think guys will gravitate toward that.”

Las Vegas ranked last in the NFL in total offense in 2025, Smith was sacked 55 times and also threw 17 interceptions.

If selected by the Raiders, they will certainly need to improve their offensive line to avoid a similar fate to the one they faced in 2025.

His combine decision demonstrates the confidence he has in his own ability, only a matter of time will tell if Tom Brady and the Raiders feel the same way.