Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to be picked first overall in the 2026 NFL draft. The Las Vegas Raiders hold that draft pick.
If Mendoza was thinking of being named the starting quarterback from the very first regular season game, he is mistaken, assuming the Raiders take him first thing off the draft board.
According to Raiders general manager John Spytek, starting a rookie quarterback from Day 1 might not be the right call, suggesting the Raiders might take some time before handing off the duties to Mendoza.
“I think you want to limit the amount of pressure you have on that guy from the start. Now, if you have a young quarterback, I’m not necessarily in favor of running him out there right away either,” said Spytek.
“So another quality player that can play the quarterback position if you have a young quarterback. And obviously, a great offensive line, a run game, all the things that can limit his chances to really get killed. And a great defense too, because if he doesn’t feel like he’s got to go out there and score 35 points every week, I think that’s helpful.”
Mendoza needs no introduction at this time of the year. He won the Heisman Trophy and won the national championship game unbeaten. He will not perform at the Combine and will rather for his Pro Day to show his skills in front of NFL scouts and executives.
Raiders HC Drops Hints About Fernando Mendoza’s Role
Like the Raiders GM, even head coach Klint Kubaik is not placing any guarantees that Fernando Mendoza will get the starting role right out of the gates. Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Kubiak mentioned quarterback Geno Smith should be further evaluated for the role.
“(We’re) looking at all options right now,” Kubiak said, per Taylor Rocha. “Watching Geno play last year, (I’m) obviously pretty familiar with what he had done before; putting all on the table right now, trying to see every possible avenue we can go next year at quarterback, and he’s definitely one of those options.”
This means Mendoza does not have a clear path to the role. For all we know, he will be asked to compete with Smith in the training camp should the Raiders not go for other options as well.
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