Mendoza’s Draft Stock Questioned After Slow Start

Mendoza’s Draft Stock Questioned After Slow Start

The hype surrounding touted prospect Fernando Mendoza has hit a speed bump, with early season tape revealing a performance that has left some analysts underwhelmed. Despite a strong finish to his campaign, the initial eight games of Mendoza’s season have raised questions about his readiness for the next level, leading to doubts about his status as a top-tier NFL draft selection.

Early Season Struggles Surface

As the NFL season wrapped up, attention turned to the college ranks and the emerging talent pool. However, early evaluations of Mendoza’s play have not lived up to expectations. Analyst Dan O, after studying the first five games of Mendoza’s tape, expressed surprise, stating, “It’s not what I expected so far.” This sentiment has only deepened as the tape extended through eight games.

“Through eight games, you see good, but there’s a lot of underwhelming,” the analyst noted. While acknowledging that Mendoza’s season finished strong, the initial impression left much to be desired. The tape revealed a distinct lack of “big time throws” and an over-reliance on certain play calls.

Predictable Playbook Raises Concerns

A significant portion of Mendoza’s early-season offense appeared to revolve around predictable concepts. The transcript highlights, “There’s a lot of clean pockets. There’s a ton of RPOs’s and back shoulder fades. A ton of them. RPOs’s and back shoulder fades.” This repetitive offensive scheme has led to concerns about Mendoza’s ability to adapt and make plays outside of a structured system.

Furthermore, the tape exposed moments where Mendoza seemed to struggle with decision-making under pressure. “There’s moments where you see like, okay, that first read’s not there. He’s spooked with his feet and he becomes a runner unnecessarily,” the analyst observed. This tendency to abandon the pocket prematurely, even when not fully pressured, has raised red flags regarding his pocket presence and ability to progress through his reads.

Number One Overall Pick Status in Doubt

The most significant implication of these early-season struggles is the impact on Mendoza’s draft positioning. When pressed on whether he still considers Mendoza the “clear-cut number one overall pick,” the analyst was unequivocal: “I’m not there.” This assessment is based on roughly half of the season’s game tape, with the analyst admitting they haven’t yet delved into the latter half of his performances.

The admission of not having reviewed the full season’s tape drew a pointed response from another observer, who quipped, “You should be ashamed of yourself.” However, the core of the critique remains: the early tape has not showcased the elite talent expected of a potential top overall selection. The coming weeks, as more game film is dissected, will be crucial in determining if Mendoza can rebound and reassert his draft stock.

Looking Ahead for Mendoza

The upcoming draft cycle is a critical period for any college prospect aiming for the top. For Fernando Mendoza, the early evaluations suggest a need for significant improvement and a demonstration of a more diverse skillset. Teams looking for a franchise quarterback will be scrutinizing his ability to make plays outside of the RPO and back-shoulder fade. His pocket presence, decision-making, and willingness to stand tall under pressure will be under intense focus.

While a strong finish to the season offers a glimmer of hope, the initial impressions have cast a shadow of doubt. The narrative around Mendoza’s draft potential has shifted from a near certainty to a question mark. Whether he can overcome these early concerns and prove his doubters wrong will be one of the compelling storylines to follow as the NFL Draft approaches.

Source: Fernando Mendoza hasn't impressed Dan O 😮 (YouTube)