Cowherd on Fernando Mendoza: ‘He’s Peyton Manning. He’s Exactly What I Want.’

Fernando Mendoza had his Pro Day Wednesday at the University of Indiana, and FOX Sports’ Colin Cowherd came away impressed, calling the performance “literally perfect.” Mendoza completed 53 of his 56 pass attempts, per NFL.com, in front of a crowd of NFL front office members that included 10 members from the Las Vegas Raiders, who own the No. 1 pick. But it wasn’t just his poise and the throws Mendoza made that proved something to Cowherd. It was his wherewithal and selflessness. He highlighted each route his receivers ran, ensuring the NFL scouts in attendance weren’t just focused on him, but had their attention on Indiana’s wide receivers. To Cowherd, Mendoza’s character mimicked that of a certain NFL Hall of Fame quarterback. “Folks, you’re looking at Peyton Manning,” Cowherd said on Thursday’s episode of “The Herd.” “Peyton Manning was big, smart, self-aware, and understood the NFL game.” After winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to a college football national championship this past season, Mendoza will likely be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft on April 23. Cowherd is all for that pick, and believes he’s the consummate quarterback prospect because he understands what matters to play that position well. “A lot of people want to be quarterback,” Cowherd said. “They love being quarterback. But do you love being quarterback because it’s about winning and doing everything it takes to be a winner, which is giving teammates credibility, which is telling scouts — ‘I want to watch the guys, and the routes they’re running?'” “Leadership is not cool,” Cowherd added. “It’s not cool. Leadership is hard.” Mendoza clearly prioritizes external results and his impact on his teammates over his self-image. “A lot of people are saying this guy is a little cringey, and he’s not cool,” Cowherd said. “He’s Peyton Manning. He’s exactly what I want.”