With most NFL draft analysts predicting Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza to be the top pick, he has abstained from throwing at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. Instead, he will just do the measurements, undergo medical evaluations, and do media interviews for now. And during the process, reports point out that Mendoza has gained weight. All of it has made Mendoza’s comparisons to former Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan increasingly uncanny.

Indiana listed its quarterback at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds to open the 2025 season. But now, in fresh NFL Combine evaluations, Mendoza has reportedly gained 11 lbs. NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah reported Mendoza’s weight to be 236 lbs after the Combine measurements. Mendoza’s other measurements include a 9 1/2 inch hand size, 6’4.6″ height, arm stretching to 31 7/8 inches, and wing size of 76 3/4 inches.

Mendoza’s measurements have now also led to comparisons to former Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan. In his time, at the Combine, the 40-year-old checked in at 6-foot-4 5/8 and 228 pounds, with 9 1/2-inch hands.  The Indiana QB has frequently drawn comparisons with the Falcons legend. Right from accuracy, precision, decision making, to processing speeds, everything looks similar for Fernando. But he may even surpass Matt Ryan.

“When I watch him, here’s what I see. A bigger, stronger, more athletic version of Matt Ryan,” Colin Cowherd said about Fernando Mendoza. “That’s what he looks like. Matt Ryan is ninth all-time in passing yards and top 10 all-time in touchdown passes, got to a Super Bowl and led 28 to three, has an MVP season behind him, 15 years for Pro Bowls, so add 30% to that. I think Mendoza is a little bigger, he moves a little better, and I think he’s got a slightly stronger arm.”

Mendoza’s surgical passing accuracy is the highest in his draft class (per PFF), and his ability to cut digs, slants, outs, and crossers stands out. Just like Mendoza, Ryan was also renowed for accuracy and his passing rhythm throughout his career. In his long NFL career, Ryan has accumulated a total of 62,792 yards at 65.6% accuracy and also rushed for 1,539 yards. But with Mendoza gaining 11 lbs, his dual-threat talent will be a plus, as he has already accumulated 467 rushing yards in 3 years.

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Apart from that, Mendoza shows high football IQ with quick reads, pre-snap recognition, and ball security. The Hoosier QB’s arm strength also stands out as he relies on anticipation, timing, and placement over sheer power. Ryan, too, wasn’t known for his powerful arm, but he handled the pocket efficiently and thrived in quick RPO play-action schemes. The former Boston College QB was also a high draft pick and was selected 3rd overall in 2008.

Fernando Mendoza opens up about the Raiders’ interest

From the outset of the draft process, mock drafts have consistently linked the Raiders to Mendoza at No. 1 overall. The team needs a solid QB  after 2025’s 3-win season. New head coach Klint Kubiak will want a QB to build his offense around, and Mendoza fits like a glove. To make the union a reality, Raiders’ reps met with Mendoza for an interview at the ongoing NFL scouting Combine.

“It was a fantastic interview,” Mendoza said. “Coaching staff was in there. We went over some of my previous plays and did plays on the board. I thought it was a great meeting.” Raiders’ minority owner, Tom Brady, also connected with Mendoza, and the Hoosiers’ QB praised the GOAT publicly. “That opportunity would be fantastic. Tom Brady, I believe, is the greatest quarterback of all time, by a wide margin, and to be able to have the opportunity to be mentored by him would mean so much.”

Though Mendoza won’t be throwing at the combine, he has promised to do it at Indiana’s pro day. There, the QB will have his receivers and playbook to work with and can show the quality with the best of his abilities. In all, the draft process for Mendoza is mostly all set now, and we might finally see his name called at first overall.