Yahoo Sports NFL on Fernando Mendoza

Mendoza's first start was rough: 7-of-15 with pick-six; acknowledged steep NFL learning curve.

The No. 1 pick of the 2026 draft struggled in his second preseason game (but first start), misfiring on 7 of 15 passes while throwing an 80-yard pick six. Mendoza acknowledged the learning curve: 'I came away with there's a lot more learning to do, and although that maybe you may have had a lot of success at another level, this level is a whole step further and that the margins are so small, and that one tiny mistake can lead to catastrophe.' The source characterizes this as a reminder that Mendoza remains a project despite his college success.

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