Fernando Mendoza’s private coach sends Tom Brady warning as Kubiak hints at draft plans
Tom Brady has been warned to expect a lot of phone calls after the 2026 NFL Draft.
With the annual event approaching, it almost feels like a sure thing that Fernando Mendoza will be stepping on stage to accept a Las Vegas Raiders jersey as the No.1 overall pick.
There are however, some concerns, particularly about the environment that awaits him, and who his NFL comparison is.
But it’s an opportunity too good for the Raiders to turn down as they look to begin a new era of the franchise.
Brady has spoken publicly about the desires he seeks for his next quarterback after the Geno Smith experiment failed miserably.
Danny Hernandez, who is Mendoza’s private quarterback coach, has told Brady that his prodigy is certainly capable enough, but will expect a lot in return.
“If I know Fernando the way I know Fernando, Tom Brady is probably going to have a separate phone for Fernando alone, because he is going to wear that relationship out,” Hernandez told FOX Sports reporter Harry McKenna.
“He is going to try to get as much information that he possibly can from Tom Brady, you know?
“If Tom is going to be as hands-on as I am hoping he is, that is going to be a great relationship.”
All of the buzz around Mendoza fits what both Brady and general manager John Spytek are looking for in a quarterback.
Brady is the ideal mentor to seek advice from, as the pair have similar on-field characteristics, and have both received criticism in the lead up to the draft.
Mendoza’s decision not to throw at the combine has angered some scouts, but it’s becoming the new norm for the nations top hurlers.
Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward and Cleveland Browns passer Shedeur Sanders both opted not to throw at last year’s combine.
Kubiak reveals reason Raiders are ‘honing in’ on Mendoza
The 2026 draft is arguably the most important one in recent Raiders history.
They earned the first pick thanks to a 3-14 record in 2025 that also saw veteran head coach Pete Carroll be dismissed at the end of the season.
The team owns 10 picks and have a number of holes to fill in order to flip the script.
They will also be aware of the ever-developing Maxx Crosby situation.
New head coach Kubiak wants to keep the edge-rusher, but a league source revealed the Raiders’ asking price, meaning a trade could still be on the cards.
Kubiak has also previously kept his draft plans close to his chest, but now, the cat is out of the bag.
He cited that winning pedigree as the lead reason they are honing in on the Hoosiers quarterback.
“Excited to keep learning about him and it’s not just me, it’s our entire coaching staff,” Kubiak said via the Raiders’ website.
“I want all of our coaches to get involved, especially at that position. I want everybody’s input, but obviously he has been successful.
“He had a lot of success last year, he won a national championship and that’s what you want. You want a winner.”
Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.
NFL Stadium Status
Chicago Bears – $5bn efforts to keep Bears in Chicago fall through as team announce plans to build new stadium across state
Kansas City Chiefs – $4bn Arrowhead move hits ‘high stakes’ snag with radical soccer-style stadium proposed
Kansas City announce major update on new $3 billion stadium design
Jacksonville Jaguars – Jags set for 150-mile relocation to 90-year-old arena as $1.4bn stadium project begins
Cleveland Browns – Pat McAfee raves at Browns’ NFL-first design masterpiece in new $2.4bn stadium
Cavaliers and Guardians stadium plans in trouble as Browns $2.4bn relocation causes Cleveland chaos
Tennessee Titans – New $2.1bn NFL stadium splits opinion ahead of Titans moving out of 27-year home
$25m piece falls into place for Titans’ new $2.2bn stadium ahead of grand unveiling
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Angry
0
Sad
0
Wow
0
