Locked On NFL – Daily Podcast On The National Football League NFL COMBINE PREVIEW: Fernando Mendoza is RIGHT Not to Throw, Top Receiver Rankings & Top Edge Debate
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Feb 24, 2026 Damian Parson, Locked On NFL Draft lead and draft expert, breaks down Fernando Mendoza’s choice not to throw and why it makes sense. Short takes on the top wide receivers — Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon and Carnell Tate — and their differing strengths. A heated debate over top edge prospects Arvell Reese, Rueben Bain and David Bailey and the concerns teams must weigh.
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Top Quarterbacks Routinely Skip On-Field Combine Workouts
- Top QB prospects often skip on-field Combine workouts; past examples include Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow.
- Tyler Rowland and Lauren Cox note elites have little to gain and something to lose by throwing publicly.
Mendoza Skipping Throws Is A Wise Risk Management Move
- Fernando Mendoza choosing not to throw at the Combine is sensible because he finished a long season and already checked every major evaluation box.
- Damian Parson emphasizes Mendoza prioritized recovery and pro day control after a season from week one to the national championship.
Receiver One Is Opinion Driven Between Tate Lemon and Tyson
- Wide receiver rankings are subjective; Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and Jordan Tyson can be ordered differently depending on traits valued.
- Lauren Cox prefers Tate for completeness; Tyler Rowland favors Tyson for route running and YAC.