“Just a Ridiculous Take”: Fans React as Insider Claims Fernando Mendoza Should Be QB1 over Kirk Cousins

Fernando Mendoza is widely projected to go to the Las Vegas Raiders as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While some analysts were debating whether he should be the QB1 in the upcoming season, the franchise’s decision to sign veteran Kirk Cousins has hinted that the Hoosiers star might have to wait for the starting role.

NFL analyst Chase Daniel spoke about the situation and said he doesn’t believe the Raiders would draft Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick and let Cousins play as QB1, and said that the deal might be to train the Hoosiers star for the challenges.

Daniel highlighted that Cousins joining the Raiders fulfils the goal of making the quarterback room high character and high IQ, while saying that the franchise should start Mendoza as QB1.

“Tom Brady, Spytek, and Klint Kubiak all stated that it would be advantageous for a rookie to sit behind a veteran. Who should I believe here, hahaha
That’s rhetorical, btw,” One fan reacted.

“That should be the goal, no doubt, but who knows where Fernando will be come September. He’s coming from a very college offense, so would expect a longer transition period. Don’t rush him out if he is not ready,” another fan advised.

“This is just a ridiculous take. Nurture that kid,” another fan wrote.

“Chase… be real. Mendoza doesn’t know a damn thing about playing QB in the NFL and you know it. Cousins is a high level producer who has 14 years of experience. Mendoza is years away from that,” another fan highlighted.

“And that will ruin him! Raiders are not a very good team and he will get destroyed,” another fan pointed out.

“So he can fail faster? Bad situation for anyone to come into in Vegas. Why do we need to see him out there with no help getting hit all game long?” another fan added.

ESPN Analyst Shares Thoughts on When Fernando Mendoza Should Start for Raiders

On Friday’s edition of the “Get Up” show, Mike Greenberg shared his opinion on the debate about when Fernando Mendoza should be given the starting quarterback role.

Greenberg highlighted that he believes Mendoza should start whenever he is ready to be the QB1, be it in the Week 1 of the season or week 8, and added that he could sit out his rookie year all the way and start in the 2027 season.

“it should be determined by his readiness,” Greenberg added.

Mendoza had a fantastic year with the Hoosiers in the 2025 season and ended it with a Heisman Trophy honor and a national championship.

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