The Las Vegas Raiders are actively scouting for a rookie quarterback to complement their star-studded roster, which includes running back Ashton Jeanty, defensive end Maxx Crosby, tight end Brock Bowers, and veteran signal-caller Geno Smith, aged 35. With the coveted first overall pick in their possession, the franchise is poised to make a strategic selection that could shape their future.
Tom Brady's Endorsement of Fernando Mendoza
Part-owner and NFL legend Tom Brady has long been an admirer of Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The seven-time Super Bowl champion recently reiterated his praise on SiriusXM NFL Radio, highlighting Mendoza's performance and character. "I've only seen him [Fernando Mendoza] [play] one game in person, the national championship. I watched a little of the Ohio State game. He's an impressive young man," Brady remarked, underscoring his keen interest in the college football standout.
Leadership Over Self-Promotion: Brady's Core Values
Brady elaborated on what he values most in a quarterback, pointing to Mendoza's team-oriented mindset. "What do I really value? When I see him [Fernando Mendoza], and he talks about his teammates," he said. "When he wins the Heisman Trophy, and he's praising everybody else. That's an endearing quality for a great leader." This emphasis on humility and collective success contrasts sharply with what Brady views as self-promotional behavior, as hinted in past discussions about other prospects like Shedeur Sanders.
In September 2025, a tweet from PharaohNFL, a digital creator for the Raiders, sparked speculation: "Ohhhh okay now I know why the #Raiders & Tom Brady didn't draft QB Shedeur Sanders." Accompanying the tweet was a video where Brady criticized showboating, stating, "I think that's way more intimidating than a quarterback doing his six-shooter guns and pointing up in the crowd and doing all that other [----] that's very self-promotional, but it's not about winning." Instead, Brady finds intimidation in quarterbacks who celebrate with teammates, a trait he observed in his own career. "When a quarterback throws a touchdown pass, I actually watch to see who he goes and celebrates with. Because what did I do? I looked for my offensive linemen every time. I went down and celebrated in the end zone with my teammates every time. I wanted everyone to feel like they were part of the success," he explained.
The Mental-Emotional Edge in Quarterback Evaluation
Brady further detailed his criteria for evaluating quarterbacks, stressing that physical skills are often overhyped. "Everybody will be able to throw the ball. Can you run? All that stuff that's really overhyped and overvalued because when you go on TV, they don't know how to value these things," he noted. He pointed out flaws in traditional scouting methods, such as the NFL Combine, where misevaluations are common. "You think they always make good choices? No, they don't. So, I have to look at it [in terms of] how I value it and the things I've watched over time."
Sustainable Traits: Work Ethic and Emotional Baseline
According to Brady, the most sustainable traits for success are mental and emotional resilience combined with a strong work ethic. "What does my expertise show me? It shows that the mental-emotional part is the most sustainable trait throughout. If you find someone who has a mental and emotional baseline, and that ceiling is incredibly high, with a work ethic, you can improve a lot of physical skill sets," he asserted. He emphasized that this philosophy applies not just to quarterbacks but to all positions, focusing on selecting individuals who align with the organization's values and program.
As the Raiders weigh their options with the first overall pick, Brady's insights suggest that Fernando Mendoza's leadership qualities and team-first attitude make him a compelling candidate. With an impeccable team already in place, adding a rookie quarterback who embodies these traits could be the key to building a cohesive and successful franchise for the future.
