Indiana RB Kaelon Black praises his former QB

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Fernando Mendoza participates in Indiana University's Pro Day at Mellencamp Pavilion on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders’ first pick in the draft seems a foregone conclusion. Fernando Mendoza is expected to be a Raider on Thursday Night, when the organization submits the card for their selection.

Mendoza led Indiana to its first-ever national championship, acquiring the Heisman Trophy on the way. The 16-0 record has led many of his teammates to be drafted. One of them is Kaelon Black, who ran for over 1000 yards last season. While appearing on the Insiders, Black praised his former quarterback as he embarks on his journey as the leader of the Silver and Black.

“Man, well, the Raiders are getting the most talented quarterback that’s out there,” Black said during a April 17 appearance on “The Insiders.” “Fernando is very detailed, one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever been around.

“He’s just so humble and so hungry that he always wants better. You can ask anyone on our team, there’s no one more detailed than him. I feel like he was one of the main reasons why we were able to take that next step. Being on the team with Fernando was just a blessing.”

One of the best qualities of Mendoza is his leadership, and his teammates’ enduring nature towards him puts it on display. Mendoza will have a chance to do the same in the Raiders’ locker room, and the easiest way to do so is by winning.

In other Raiders links:

• John Spytek’s 1st-year lessons should make for a better Raiders draft: Las Vegas Review-Journal writes how John Spytek is learning from his mistakes, preparing for the 2026 NFL draft.
• Raiders GM John Spytek on trading No. 1 pick: Spytek made it clear he is not shopping the first pick in the draft.
• TDL draft shows an interview with Jarod Washington of SC State:Tape Don’t Lie, crew sits down with Jarod Washington, a cornerback from SC State, with a film breakdown.

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