Overview
- Indiana’s Heisman winner completed 17-of-20 for 177 yards and five touchdowns in the Peach Bowl as Oregon’s Dante Moore committed three first‑half turnovers, sharpening the contrast between the top quarterback options.
- Most recent projections place Mendoza as the favorite for No. 1 with Moore as the primary alternative, though Moore’s declaration status still adds uncertainty to the board.
- Trade talk persists despite quarterback expectations, with scenarios ranging from swaps with the Jets at Nos. 2 and 16 or Cardinals at No. 3 to more aggressive media proposals involving stars like Joe Burrow or Kyler Murray.
- Internal dynamics factor heavily into the choice as the Raiders move on from Pete Carroll, carry Geno Smith’s two‑year, $75 million deal with an $18.5 million 2026 dead‑cap if cut, and evaluate a roster with major offensive line needs.
- Opinions on Mendoza’s NFL ceiling remain split, with praise such as Pat McAfee calling him “generational” contrasted by sharp critiques from voices like Jason Brown and a preference for Moore’s upside from Brady Quinn.