We at Pro Football Rumors have been careful with our wording, making sure not to promise or guarantee anything that isn’t confirmed or complete. According to something Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network said recently in an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, we may be able to start speaking with a bit more certainty. 
For instance, since the season came to an end, we’ve said Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the “likely No. 1 overall pick,” “the anticipated No. 1 pick,” and “the overwhelming favorite to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.” We’ve also often tied a specific team to him, saying the Raiders No. 1 overall pick is “virtually unattainable” and that the team drafting Mendoza is “all but a sure thing,” “all but certain,” and “an overwhelming expectation.”
In his guest appearance on the show, Jeremiah was asked if the Raiders are “100 percent locked in” on taking Mendoza with the first pick of the draft. Jeremiah laid out Mendoza’s recent schedule in an attempt to paint a clear picture. Per Jeremiah, Mendoza has been working recently with former NFL quarterback and quarterbacks coach Brian Griese, a fellow Miami-native and Columbus HS (FL) grad.
He explained that Mendoza isn’t just working on mechanics with Griese, cleaning up footwork or release motions. No, Jeremiah asserted that Griese and Mendoza are working on “installing the Raiders’ offense.” Jeremiah equated the situation to that of former No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow, who was cemented into his draft position early enough that he was able to utilize the time leading up to the NFL draft learning his future team’s offensive concepts and verbiage.
Jeremiah’s assertions served to confirm what we’ve been dancing around for months. This is, essentially, a done deal. The draft expert told his hosts he’d be “shocked, stunned, (and) astonished if (Mendoza) is not the first overall pick.” He concluded by asserting that he doesn’t see it going in any other direction.
Griese isn’t just a former quarterback and QB coach who went to the same high school as Mendoza. He was also on a coaching staff with Klint Kubiak and was starting quarterback for Kubiak’s dad.
Honestly, this shouldn’t be allowed until the player has signed the contract.
If it’s Brian Griese doing it as a freelance coach who understands Kubiak’s offense well doing it without any direct intel from Kubiak or the Raiders (that you can prove), it would be pretty hard to forbid it.
Way more BS allowed than this in the nfl. How about Myles still playing when he should be banned for hitting a player with his helmet as a weapon? F NFL
Shouldn’t be allowed to do what exactly? He’s practicing being a QB. Nothing to see here really.
I think a team could probably give their playbook to a stranger walking down the street if they felt like it.
Fun mental image. That stranger would be pretty confused.
It might’ve been a better comment if you explained why it shouldn’t be allowed. I had my prospective boss take me out to lunch to discuss some financial reporting issues before I was hired. I actually thought it was very useful as it gave me a chance to present my skills, as well as giving me some warning as to how screwed up the reporting process was.
And most importantly, a free lunch.
Shocker
That should be illegal.
Why?
This article doesn’t do a good job of fully explaining that Brian Griese and Kubiak worked side by side in 2023-2024 to develop Purdy. So Griese has good insight into what Mendoza needs to develop without directly learning the actual Raider’s system. If there is communication between the team and Mendoza, I agree that shouldn’t be allowed, but if there’s not, then Griese training Mendoza should be perfectly acceptable.
Just roll some 2025 Geno Smith tape, and say, “This, this right here. Is what not to do. Now you’re all caught up.”. Then when it is done, put it on the shelf never to be seen again. Then put it next to the blank tape that Jamarcus Russell gave rave reviews to.
🤣🤣
More like, “what’s your 40 time? Because you gonna have to run for you life”.
“We at Pro Football Rumors have been careful with our wording, making sure not to promise or guarantee anything that isn’t confirmed or complete”.
Relax guys. All the good lawyers are out of my price range so you won’t be getting sued. Actually, the wife and I use to say something very similar to our kids when they were growing up…lol.
It literally says “Rumors” in the name of the site. I’m not exactly coming here expecting sworn testimony…haha
RaiderMandooooo let’s gooooo!
Draft Kings odds is -20000, close enough to a sure thing
QB drafted in first round, comes into training camp cold; PFR reactions: “He hasn’t got a chance.”
QB drafted in first round, comes into training camp well prepared; PFR reactions: “Hey, that should be illegal!”
Doesn’t matter what this guy preps for. He’ll be a bust. Surprised more can’t see it