How Fernando Mendoza won over John Spytek, Tom Brady and the Raiders brass

Fernando Mendoza had been a future Raider since January 4, the day Las Vegas clinched the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.His candidacy for the top selection was entrenched later that month when principal owner Mark Davis and minority owner Tom Brady accompanied general manager John Spytek to watch Mendoza play in the College Football Playoff National Championship. The trio of the decision makers watched Mendoza lead Indiana to a title with a gritty performance, but Spytek insists nothing was settled.Advertisement