Miami Dolphins to move up for Fernando Mendoza in NFL Draft?
MIAMI GARDENS — As appealing as the idea of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in a Miami Dolphins uniform may be, fans are mostly skeptical about the cost it would take to trade up for him.
Mendoza, 22, was raised in Miami and starred at Christopher Columbus High School before a college career that took him from California to Indiana.
But only 37 percent of fans in a highly unofficial Palm Beach Post online poll said they would like to see the Dolphins trade two first-round picks and two second-round picks for Mendoza.
That would likely be about as good a deal as Miami would be able to swing to move up from the range of 9-12 in the draft to No. 1.
At the moment, the Giants own the No. 1 pick. Surely they would consider such an offer from Miami, as they already have quarterback Jaxson Dart .
The next three teams picking in the first round at this point - Raiders , Browns and Jets - would seem likely to select Mendoza or quarterback Dante Moore of Oregon if he were to enter the draft.
If Moore were the top pick, perhaps the Raiders - or whoever - could deal the No. 2 overall pick to Miami.
The Dolphins need a franchise quarterback, as they are poised to move on from Tua Tagovailoa .
But would it make more sense to tear it down in 2026 and target a quarterback in 2027, with what is perceived to be a deeper quarterback class?
Or, could Miami go against conventional wisdom and target its quarterback in 2026?
NFL Draft : Fernando Mendoza to Miami Dolphins
Surely owner Stephen Ross would love to invigorate a fan base with a hometown hero.
Of course, Miami doesn't even have a full-time general manager at the moment, let alone a grand strategic plan.
Mendoza is of Cuban descent, with all 4 of his grandparents born and raised in Cuba.
Mendoza is highly accurate, extremely intelligent, composed and tough.
Some have compared Mendoza to Kirk Cousins , Jared Goff or Matt Ryan .
While fans would love to see Mendoza in aqua and orange, some wonder about his upside and massive haul it would likely take to secure his draft rights.
Here is some feedback from fans:
Miami Dolphins fans weigh in on Fernando Mendoza
"Nah I love fernandos game but he ain’t a generational talent if he was then sure I’d consider it." - @tbryant2005
"I wouldn’t do that for Josh Allen ." - @notforrent2govt
"He’s the consensus number 1 quarterback this year, but he’s not being touted as a transcendent potential hall of fame player. That’s a lot to give up when we have so many needs. I’d be willing to give up less to get Dante" - @LucasPeter20217
"i would prefer to take a cheap vet and use those resources to bolster the team - then go for a rookie QB in 2027 when the class is stronger - someone like carson wentz would be my choice as a place holder." - @althewanderer
"I like Mendoza but is he a generational talent to give up two 1s and two 2s? Absolutely NOT. The dolphins franchise would do something like this though." - @doubledutydaddy
"Hell no. Wait a year if you're gonna mortgage the farm for Manning or Sayin" - @nickyryancnmt
"Mendoza is not a guarantee can't miss." - @beaner133
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Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post . You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe . Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter . Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Fernando Mendoza to Miami Dolphins in draft? Fans skeptical of cost
