NFL Combine: Mendoza Skips Workouts, QB2 & WR2 Battle Heats Up

The 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis saw a shift in focus as Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza opted out of throwing drills, choosing to wait for Indiana’s April 1 Pro Day. With the Raiders eyeing him as a potential first‑overall pick, Mendoza’s decision to skip the weekend workouts keeps his stock in question.

Meanwhile, the spotlight turned to the quarterback and wide‑receiver groups. Alabama’s Ty Simpson, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, Miami’s Carson Beck and Penn State’s Drew Allar all took the field, vying for the coveted QB2 and WR2 slots. Allar, who returned from an ankle injury, and the other prospects aim to showcase their skills to teams looking to bolster their backfield depth.