I spoke with an agent today about Mendoza (just as a friend - I don't work in sports, FYI), and he surprised me a little bit. He really liked Mendoza around the natty, but upon further review, he's kind of come over to my view of Mendoza...HOWEVER, he still thinks the Raiders should draft him even though he thinks he (Mendoza) will be a bust.
I asked why and he said because of two reasons, and this was by far the most interesting thing he said about Mendoza and his situation:
1. The Raiders need hope and Mendoza will give them 1-2 years of hope. Mendoza will help sell tickets, merch, etc.
2. The GM won't really be held responsible because he said 1st round QB's are a 50/50 proposition at best.
So, his summation of Mendoza was that upon further review, he doesn't think he's all that great like he did around the natty, but the Raiders should still take him at #1 because of the business side of things.
My take: Mendoza played the game of his life, even had a highlight reel TD run that will live forever in replays and CFB lore, but he didn't even throw a single TD, despite having the advantage of going into the half up 10-0. Very good CFB QB, lousy NFL prospect as a 1st rounder, but I guess we'll see. Maybe he'll make me eat my words. Doubtful, but stranger things have happened.