In a recent mock draft by PFSN, analyst Jacob Infate asserts that the New Orleans Saints may be ready to conclude their experiments with quarterbacks Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler. Given the abundance of quarterback talent in this draft class, the Saints’ potential pick seems timely. Infate predicts that the Saints, currently holding the No. 3 draft spot, will be the first team to select a quarterback.
The player projected to be picked by the Saints is Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who stands out as one of the frontrunners for the Heisman Trophy this season. Mendoza’s outstanding performance has established him as a reliable contender amidst a competitive field, with an impressive tally of 69 total touchdowns.
Mendoza has had an inspiring first year with the Hoosiers after transferring from California, where he had less success during his freshman season, throwing for just 1,708 yards. He improved significantly last year with 3,004 yards and is currently at 2,641 yards this season, all while completing 10% more of his passes compared to previous years. Moreover, Mendoza boasts an exceptional touchdown-to-interception ratio, demonstrating his prowess as a quarterback.
With the Saints grappling to find stability in their quarterback position since the retirement of Drew Brees, selecting Mendoza could be a strategic move to secure a strong future contender. His performance this season, where he has equaled his total passing touchdowns from his first two years and reduced his interception count remarkably, indicates his growth and potential.
The current state of the Saints’ quarterback roster is troubling, as both Shough and Rattler struggle with unsatisfactory grades in PFSN’s QB Impact Metric. This highlights the pressing need for the team to draft a promising new quarterback.
As Mendoza leads Indiana toward what seems like a certain spot in the College Football Playoffs this season, he has a pivotal opportunity ahead to prove himself as the top quarterback for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. With mounting anticipation surrounding his performance, Mendoza could very well fulfill the Saints’ quest for a quality signal-caller, potentially ushering in a new era for the franchise.