A return of our Summer Scouting Series here at Steelers Depot. We highlight 2026 NFL Draft hopefuls who are generating buzz before the start of the 2025 CFB season at positions that the Pittsburgh Steelers may be interested in several months from now, once the pre-draft process really gets underway.
FERNANDO MENDOZA, QB, INDIANA (R-JUNIOR) — 6-5, 225 POUNDS
THE GOOD
— Has the height and size of a prototypical starting NFL quarterback
— Good athlete that can scramble and gash defenses with his legs
— Ability to maneuver the pocket stands out on tape
— Manages to evade pressure while keeping his eyes downfield
— Capable of extending the play with his legs
— Can throw on the run and make off-platform throws
— Has a live arm that can stretch the field vertically
— Can put the ball on his man while getting smacked in the pocket
— Makes some crazy tight window throws on film
— Does a good job dropping the ball into the breadbasket down the field
— Not afraid to attack the middle of the defense
—Has the hearts and smarts you want in a signal caller on offense
THE BAD
— Could stand to add more bulk to his lean frame
— Can take a beating both in the pocket and when scrambling
— Scores didn’t match the tape/yardage/completion percentage next year
— Will have to show he can make a jump against heightened competition
— Redshirt junior prospect from Miami, FL
— Born October 1, 2003 (age 21)
— Grandson of Cuban immigrants
— Three-star recruit according to Rivals
— Originally committed to play at Yale before deciding to flip to Cal
— 2022: Redshirted
— 2023: Started eight games and completed 63% of his passes for 1,708 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, along with another two rushing touchdowns
— 2024: Started 11 games and completed 68.