Former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza made headlines after his decision regarding the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine.

The 2025 Heisman winner, who is also the projected No.1 pick, is skipping the on-field throwing drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mendoza will instead make throws during Indiana’s Pro Day. Following this decision, former Jets scout Daniel Kelly criticized the quarterback.

In a tweet he shared on Sunday, Kelly said that Mendoza is not participating in the Scouting Combine to avoid embarrassment.

“Of course Fernando Mendoza wants to avoid beingg exposed with receiver’s he’s unfamiliar with in an unfamiliar environment,” Kelly said.

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

This is not the first time that Daniel Kelly has criticized Fernando Mendoza. Last month, on Jason Whitlock’s podcast, he expressed his doubts about the quarterback’s game.

“He’s a stiff, rigid, awkward, systematic quarterback,” Kelly said. “Everything he does is systematic. … He works out of the pocket from his spot, almost like a statue. That’s the first problem.

“I really question if he can read defenses that well. Because when you do watch him on film, he looks like he knows where he’s going with the ball before it’s even snapped. He’s a predeteremined 1 to 2 progression thrower, going into a league where you have to read defenses. That’s a huge concern.”

After three years with the California Golden Bears, Mendoza joined the Hoosiers last season. As the starting quarterback, he led them to an undefeated national championship while recording 3,535 yards and 41 TDs passing.

ALSO READ: NFL GMs & executives vote 2 players above Fernando Mendoza in 2026 Draft class

ALSO READ: “That can be his superpower”: NFC exec. points key Fernando Mendoza trait making Indian QB fit for Raiders

Fernando Mendoza reveals the reasoning behind his decision not to throw at the NFL Combine

Earlier this month, Fernando Mendoza appeared on the “Pat McAfee” show.

While talking about his upcoming draft, the quarterback said that he wants to avoid making throws in an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar receivers.

“At the combine, you’re throwing to different receivers, the whole different thing,” Mendoza said (Timestamp-5:14). “And I want to make sure I give my guys the best chance. I want to throw at Pro Day with my guys, with my running backs and be there with the boys.

“The combine, I don’t think throwing is going to be a priority. Just because, it’s such a quick turnaround. … I’m in a better position that I don’t gotta throw in a combine.”

The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to acquire Mendoza with the No.1 overall pick. While he sits out from Combine drills, former Alabama quarterback and projected first-rounder Ty Simpson will be participating at the event, which kicks off on Thursday.