Indiana Hoosiers star Fernando Mendoza is a set-in-stone choice for the no.1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza ended his college career on a high note as he was able to secure not just the Heisman Trophy but also the national championship.
The Indiana star will be joining the Las Vegas Raiders where he will be competing veteran quarterback, Kirk Cousins, for the starting quarterback position.
While many analysts believe the Raiders should start Mendoza immediately as he has a good number of starts under his belt as a college star, others believe he should develop for sometime before taking the starting role.
Talking about where Mendoza is in terms of preparedness, Louis Riddick said on a recent “Up and Adams” appearance:
“For Fernando, obviously, it’s a lot of new learning. He talked to me about that when I went out there for his Pro Day. But he’s already way ahead of the game. He’s already on it. And Brian has already texted me and said, ‘Look, he’s way ahead of where, maybe, people think he is at this point in terms of learning what the West Coast system is all about, the kind that he’s going to run under Klint out there in Vegas.”
Skip Bayless Warns the Raiders of Kirk Cousins Amid Starting QB Competition With Fernando Mendoza
Many fans and analysts were shocked to see the Raiders sign a one-year deal with Kirk Cousins. However, while most people thought the plan would be help Mendoza entirely, the veteran QB’s recent statement gave an insight into his intent to win the starting job.
During an interview with “Good Morning Football” on April 8, Cousins made it clear that he intends to put his best foot forward and become the best option available for the Raiders.
Cousins had a simple argument when talking about who should be starting for the Raiders, to which he said he believes the best player should play.
“To be able to watch a veteran quarterback go through his habits and routines and process, that can be a great asset for him. He was here yesterday on his draft day visit. We were able to watch film together. I think he’ll be a great addition to the room,” Cousins added.
Cousins also praised Mendoza and said he would be a great addition to the team.
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