Fernando Mendoza, expected to be the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft scheduled from April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh, has sparked controversy after being compared to NFL star Joe Burrow by analyst Lance Zierlein. This comparison, highlighted by NFL reporter Dov Kleiman on social media, has drawn heated responses from fans questioning Mendoza’s readiness and skill level relative to Burrow.
Analyst Draws Parallels Between 2026 Prospects and Current NFL Players
Lance Zierlein outlined several 2026 draft prospects alongside established NFL players, sparking conversations about their potential ceilings. Dov Kleiman shared Zierlein’s list which equated Fernando Mendoza to Joe Burrow and included other pairings such as Ty Simpson to Mac Jones and Carnell Tate to Chris Olave. The comparisons extended to a broader group of prospects tied to notable figures like Javonte Williams, Terry McLaurin, and Doug Baldwin, aiming to provide a frame of reference for fans and analysts.
Strong Backlash from Fans Over Mendoza and Burrow Comparison
Social media responses quickly surfaced, with many fans expressing frustration toward the Mendoza-Burrow comparison. Critics argued Mendoza has yet to demonstrate the consistency and talent of Burrow, with remarks emphasizing that Mendoza
“couldn’t touch Burrow on Burrow’s worst day.”
Other fans dismissed the comparisons as premature, pointing out that several prospects have yet to play competitive NFL snaps, making such projections speculative at best.
“Stop don’t disrepect Joe Burrow,” one fan said.
“Fernando is not close to being Joe Burrow. Let’s just start there,” another fan said.
“Thats extremely laughable Mendoza couldnt touch Burrow on Burrow’s worst day,” a fan said.
“Some of the worst fucking comps I’ve ever seen. great work!” a fan said.
“Only reasonable one is Makai Lemon and Amon Ra,” one fan posted.
“Half these guys haven’t played a down and we’re already mapping their ceilings,” another fan said.
Fernando Mendoza’s Impressive College Performance and Draft Prospects
Mendoza led the Indiana Hoosiers to a historic undefeated 16-0 season, securing their first National Championship last year. Over the season, he accumulated a career-high 3,535 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, alongside rushing for 276 yards with seven touchdowns, underscoring his dual-threat capabilities. With the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 pick following their 3-14 record, expectations are high that they will select Mendoza as their franchise quarterback.
Mendoza Chooses College Pro Day Over NFL Combine to Showcase Skills
In a strategic decision, Mendoza will skip the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and instead participate in Indiana’s pro day on April 1. Mendoza explained on the Pat McAfee Show that throwing during the combine involves passing to unfamiliar receivers, which he wanted to avoid in order to present his best performance with known teammates.
“At the combine, you’re throwing to different receivers, it’s a whole different thing,” Mendoza said. “And I want to make sure I give my guys the best chance.
With Tom Brady’s Las Vegas Raiders likely to have the first overall draft pick, Mendoza’s decision and performance at the pro day could be crucial in shaping his draft stock and subsequent NFL career trajectory.
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein's Notable Comparisons:
Fernando Mendoza = Joe Burrow
Ty Simpson = Mac Jones
Jeremiyah Love = Jahmyr Gibbs
Jadarian Price = Javonte Williams
Carnell Tate = Chris Olave
Jordyn Tyson = Terry McLaurin
Makai Lemon = Amon-Ra St. Brown
KC Concepcion =… pic.twitter.com/oJU7k9vr0h— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 23, 2026
Fernando is not close to being Joe Burrow. Let’s just start there.
— Daymond Patterson II (@DP2Nice) February 23, 2026
Thats extremely laughable Mendoza couldnt touch burrow on burrows worst day.
— dylan huff (@Dylanhuff77) February 23, 2026
some of the worst fucking comps I’ve ever seen. great work!
— TYLER FREID (@tylerfreid43) February 23, 2026
only reasonable one is makai lemon and amon ra
— Gavin Henry (@GavinHe95177246) February 23, 2026
Half these guys haven't played a down and we're already mapping their ceilings.
— Trevor | Discipline in Public (@odusanyatoheeb2) February 23, 2026
