BLOOMINGTON, Ind.

The Raiders are exercising caution when considering Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza for the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.

General manager John Spytek emphasized during the NFL owners conference this week that the team plans to thoroughly evaluate all options as the draft approaches.

This could involve utilizing another team’s first pick or even trading their own.

“This is not a coronation,” Spytek stressed.

However, with Mendoza’s pro day held on Wednesday, it feels like the spotlight is shifting toward him.

The Raiders sent a considerable number of personnel executives to Bloomington to observe potential quarterbacks. Spytek was accompanied by head coach Clint Kubiak, scouting director Brandon Yeargan, assistant GM Brian Stark, vice president of player personnel Brandon Hunt, and others, all focused on Mendoza and his fellow Indiana players.

This group wasn’t there just to catch one last glimpse of Mendoza and his teammates, including wide receivers Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Surratt, as well as cornerback D’Angelo Pons. All of these players are anticipated to be drafted between the first and third rounds.

Instead, the message was clear: “You’re part of the team,” indicating that Mendoza will receive support throughout the organization.

This sentiment was reinforced later when Mendoza had a private meeting with the Raiders’ staff.

They plan to reconnect in a few weeks when Mendoza becomes one of the top 30 prospects, allowing him to meet the entire organization.

In terms of performance, Mendoza dazzled during his pro day, completing 53 passes out of 56 attempts, prompting even the most critical talent evaluators to express amazement.

“Wow, that was unbelievable,” remarked one NFL executive.

Two of his incomplete passes were due to receiver drops, and one was an overthrow on a deep ball that traveled over 60 yards but just missed the intended target.

Mendoza showcased impressive control, directing his teammates before most plays and hitting nearly all of his throws with pinpoint accuracy.

Interestingly, he only paused twice to hydrate briefly, demonstrating remarkable stamina while not showing signs of fatigue, finishing with two touchdown passes that also exceeded 60 yards.

“It’s not just accuracy and speed,” commented an NFL personnel executive. “What stood out was his fundamentals, his leadership, and how he commanded the field. Very impressive.”

If there remained any doubt about what the Raiders might do with the top pick, Mendoza laid those concerns to rest on Wednesday.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion didn’t have to participate in Indiana’s pro day, but he chose to honor his teammates by showing up for support.

“Today was about serving my teammates, and I think I accomplished that,” Mendoza stated. “I’m excited for their future.”

While being humble, Mendoza reinforced the focus on his performance.

“My aim is to be the best quarterback I can be, come September, not in April,” he said.

This just added to the impressiveness of his display that day. Although it was meant to shine a light on his Indiana teammates, Mendoza ended up being the standout.

It underscored his importance to the Hoosiers’ successful season and served as a clear signal to the Raiders that they shouldn’t overthink drafting him.

He executed everything so effortlessly and naturally that it was hard to believe he was putting on a final audition.

“I’m not focused on being the top pick; I’m just trying to be the best version of myself,” Mendoza elaborated. “Ultimately, it’s the team that believes in you that matters, regardless of your pick.”

Now, it seems the deal is set. Mendoza is on his way to becoming a part of the Raiders.

The lingering question is whether he will start on Opening Day.

“Ideally, I’d prefer he learns behind someone initially. That would be ideal,” Kubiak shared.

Though, as Kubiak and others have learned, perfection is rare in the NFL.

“Sometimes, they must step in from the start, and it’s our role to prepare them accordingly,” Kubiak said.

On this note, it looks like the Raiders have officially begun preparing Mendoza for a likely debut on day one.