Heisman favorite Fernando Mendoza lands with the Saints in a stunning early draft projection. Will this poised passer be their future?
The New Orleans Saints are well on their way to a Top 5 draft pick. One publication has an interesting prediction for the Saints.
CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson has the Saints taking Heisman trophy favorite and Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 3 overall draft pick. The mock draft wrote the following of Mendoza's ability.
"Mendoza is a poised, accurate passer who has plus arm talent, consistently delivering catchable balls on time and in rhythm and excelling on layered second-level routes. He shows NFL-level field vision and coverage recognition, consistently ripping throws with anticipation. While not a true creator, Mendoza navigates collapsing pockets effectively and can make accurate off-platform throws, showing a calm, efficient style reminiscent of Jared Goff."
The Saints would certainly need to be enamored with Mendoza to draft him at No. 3 after drafting Tyler Shough at quarterback last offseason. Shough has been impressive in his time as the Saints quarterback in his short time in New Orleans.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) rushes up the field Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, during the 100th annual Old Oaken Bucket game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette.Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesIf the Saints were to pursue drafting another quarterback, Alabama's Ty Simpson and Oregon's Dante Moore are intriguing prospects. Here's what CBS has to say about Moore.
"Moore is a composed, confident pocket passer who thrives under pressure, consistently working through progressions and delivering accurate, tight-window throws with anticipation. He's highly effective when moving the launch point, showing the arm strength and touch to attack every level of the field -- often off-platform. While not a true dual-threat, Moore's poise, vision, and athleticism allow him to extend plays and create when protection breaks down, and he repeatedly shows up in big moments."
Moore and Mendoza are both productive players. 2025 has seen both eclipse 2,700 yards and 25 touchdowns. Moore has 25 touchdowns to just six interceptions. Mendoza has reached 38 touchdowns with five interceptions.
While Moore has the upside as a former five-star recruit, Mendoza has him beat in production. He also has proven capable of lifting an Indiana program from great to elite, a place the Hoosiers are unfamiliar with for the better part of their history. Mendoza has his team at a perfect 12-0 record and ranked No. 2 in all of college football with a chance to knock off the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes over the weekend.
The above fact leans heavily in his favor and though current quarterback Shough is performing at a high level, it's worth noting how Mendoza has proven capable of carrying his team.
We'll keep an eye on where the Saints go with their draft pick this offseason.