Projected No 1 draft decide Fernando Mendoza makes choice on NFL scouting mix

Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be taken first overall at the 2026 NFL draft, has opted not to throw at this week’s scouting combine, it has emerged.

The quarterback led Indiana to a shock national championship and is slated to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the No 1 pick.

The combine offers NFL prospects a chance to prove their skills in front of scouts and the cameras but Mendoza has decided not to show off his arm, according to ESPN. 

Instead, he will reportedly throw at Indiana’s pro day on April 1, with Mendoza said to be keen to ‘help showcase’ a number of the Hoosiers pass catchers. 

‘At the combine, you’re throwing to different receivers, it’s a whole different thing,’ he told the Pat McAfee Show recently. 

‘And I want to make sure I give my guys the best chance. I want to throw at pro day with my guys, with my running backs and be there with the boys.’ 

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has opted not to throw at this week’s scouting combine

Former Alabama star Ty Simpson is expected to take part in passing drills in Indianapolis

But former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson will throw at next week’s combine, according to NFL Network.

Simpson is considered by many to be the No 2 quarterback in the class of 2026 and the combine offers the 23-year-old an opportunity to prove he should be a first-round pick.

It is not uncommon for prospective top picks to pass up the chance to throw. Back in February 2024, neither Caleb Williams (USC) nor Jayden Williams (LSU) took part in throwing drills.

They ended up being selected No 1 and No 2, with Williams taken by the Chicago Bears and Daniels taken by the Washington Commanders.

Last year, Cam Ward opted not to throw before being taken first overall by the Tennessee Titans, while Shedeur Sanders chose instead to throw at a Colorado pro day. 

The son of NFL legend Deion Sanders was tipped by some to a first-round pick but he ended up sliding all the way to round five before being taken by the Cleveland Browns.