While most expect Fernando Mendoza to experience significant time under center in 2026 as the Raiders look to develop their top pick, his rough preseason has others already wondering if he’s truly able to ever be the face of an NFL franchise.
Fernando Mendoza woke up to criticism after struggling in his final preseason game
And after his worst performance yet – he completed 7-of-14 pass attempts for just 57 yards as he tossed an interception and was sacked twice – as part of the Raiders’ 18-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night, ESPN analysts discussed Mendoza’s game the next morning on the “Get Up” show.
“This guy is too talented to be 7-of-14. Accuracy with young players should get better, but that was not a good night for him,” said former NFL general Mike Tannenbaum.
For more criticism, former three-time Pro Bowl safety Dante Whinter was direct about what he saw from the 2026 No. 1 overall pick and why it “raises some concerns” for him.
“It’s clear the game is moving too fast for the young rookie. He has to get the ball away and not take these sacks on first and second down.”