Fernando Mendoza: Preseason scouting report for the new Indiana QB
Mendoza is an exceptional passer when given time and space to operate, but his game has clear limitations thanks to mostly average tools. He has good size at 6'5', 225 pounds, but he will need to get stronger and quicker to avoid traffic in the pocket.
As a passer, Mendoza is solidly above average. His arm strength is borderline excellent, and he can pick defenses apart when his protection holds up. He routinely delivers throws with plenty of zip and is at his best in the intermediate area, working off play-action. He's highly effective in rhythm and doesn't lose arm strength or accuracy on designed rollouts.
He'll need better deep ball consistency, as deep shots tend to be underthrown or behind the target, and he also needs to work on his touch when layering throws. That said, Mendoza is still a highly accurate and effective passer.
Check out my full Fernando Mendoza preseason report and grade on my Substack.
His processing is borderline NFL-ready, but his anticipation and decision-making must improve. There were multiple awful interceptions on last year's film simply because he didn't recognize a linebacker sitting underneath the target.
Mendoza is not a running threat, but is smart enough to take advantage of what the defense gives him. His average athleticism and speed show in space, so don't expect him to be part of the rushing attack at Indiana.
Overall, Mendoza's passing ability is solid, and his average athletic tools are tolerable given his NFL-ready arm strength and accuracy. His processing and anticipation must be more consistent in 2025, but Mendoza has a chance to be high on NFL draft boards next spring.
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