“Yeah, he’s a professional. He’s played a lot of football. He’s a leader that we’re counting on right now,” the head coach told reporters on Wednesday. “You see that side of him when it gets competitive, that was fun to get that move the ball period and get guys off of scripts and see how they respond, and you see the fire come out, and that’s what I want from our guys.”

Klint Kubiak knows Kirk Cousins firsthand, and understands that his experience in the league could not only help the Las Vegas Raiders achieve strong results, but also help refine a young talent like Fernando Mendoza with an eye toward the future.

Kubiak and Cousins already know each other from Minnesota

When Kubiak took over the reins as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator in 2021, he and Kirk Cousins picked up right where the previous scheme left off, keeping that offense running like a well-oiled machine. Having already spent two years as the quarterback coach, he had a great connection with Captain Kirk, and it showed on the field.

Under his play-calling, Cousins put up some highly efficient numbers in that play-action-heavy system, throwing for over 4,200 yards, 33 touchdowns, and protecting the ball with just 7 interceptions. It was a smooth, high-execution partnership that not only kept the quarterback playing at an elite level but also helped fuel a massive 1,600-yard season for Justin Jefferson.

Fernando Mendoza awaits his moment

Even with a veteran like Kirk Cousins on the roster, the Raiders didn’t draft Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall just to let him sit on the bench forever. He is seen as the undisputed centerpiece of Las Vegas’ long-term future.

Coming off a historic, undefeated 16-0 season with the Indiana Hoosiers where he absolutely lit up college football—putting up a 72% completion rate, 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions alongside a Heisman Trophy—Mendoza has the elite pedigree of a true franchise quarterback.

For many scouts, Fernando Mendoza is a generational talent—not only because of his physical football skills, but also due to his exceptional reasoning and the way he studies the sport off the field.

The Raiders are already witnessing this intellectual approach firsthand. According to offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko, Mendoza does not just want to learn how to execute certain plays; he also wants to understand the “why” behind them to fully master the system.

“He’s somebody that wants to know the whys of everything, the story behind everything,” Andrew Janocko said of Mendoza, via the team’s official website. “What we’re calling, but why are we calling it?

“He’s really just a sponge that wants to know everything. So it’s a lot of fun working with a quarterback like that because he’s coming in as a blank slate in this offense — never been in this offense before — and just asking a ton of questions.”

Fernando Mendoza is special, but the Raiders need to help him

The Raiders, who are one of five teams without a primetime game in 2026, have struggled to find a definitive replacement for Derek Carr. Fernando Mendoza might be the answer, but the club definitely needs to surround him with a strong supporting cast to let his talent shine.

As of today, the Raiders have a decent offensive foundation for Mendoza to work with. He has an outstanding tight end in Brock Bowers and a solid running back in Ashton Jeanty, but the wide receiver corps could definitely use an upgrade.

Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailer are currently the primary wide receivers on the roster. While it seems like an elite, top-tier target is missing from this group, Mendoza’s natural talent could help both wideouts break out and shine despite not being regarded as premier weapons.

Can Fernando Mendoza start over Kirk Cousins in Week 1?

As of today, Kirk Cousins is listed as QB1 on the Raiders’ early depth charts. His veteran experience leads many to believe he will start in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, yet Mendoza is already making a strong push to win the quarterback race.

According to reports, if Mendoza puts together a solid rookie minicamp and shines in offseason workouts, he could realistically start over Cousins in Week 1. However, the Raiders might also choose to go with the veteran to open the season, allowing the rookie to learn from the sidelines for a few weeks before ultimately taking control of the offense.

At Indiana, Mendoza worked plenty at the shotgun formation, so he is focusing on taking reps under center. “I think it’s going to be that repetition under center, getting those quicker feet, and just you can always be faster and more efficient in your reads and decisiveness,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza has been highly praised by his work ethic and being a tape nerd. Listening to him proves that. He is eager to get better and he wants to do it fast. Mendoza is a winner, and he will do whatever it takes to get the results the Raiders want.

Mendoza isn’t the only one adjusting to play under center

The Raiders picked offensive lineman Trey Zuhn in the third-round, and he’s been snapping for Mendoza during the minicamp. Zuhn played for Texas A&M during his college days. While he’s not scheduled to be the starting center (that would be Tyler Linderbaum), it’s great for him to get some reps there as well.

“We didn’t do very much under center at A&M, either, so it’s been great getting those extra reps,” Zuhn said. It seems that, after years of cultural mess within the Raiders confines, now it’s time to get to work and get things right.

The Raiders have a mountain to climb ahead of them

Unfortunately for Mendoza and the Raiders, it won’t be easy to turn their fortunes around. The fact is that they compete in the AFC West, arguably the toughest division in the NFL.

The Raiders have to battle against the 2020s dynasty in the Chiefs, the AFC runner-ups in the Broncos, and a perennial contender like the Los Angeles Chargers. Hence, it’s a big task to turn things around in just one season. Still, that’s what the Raiders are aiming for.

In fact, it was Mendoza himself who, in an interview with the media, revealed what it means for him to work with his new head coach, and how he will be able to maximize all of his strengths in this new stage of his career.

“He won a Super Bowl last year so I saw a lot of him… When I was drafted and got here, I was able to get the playbook. However, going now to be in the facility and have access to the film and see the application, see Kirk Cousins do it in Minnesota, see Sam Darnold do it last year in Seattle… how it’s supposed to be executed when it’s done at a high level, has really been beneficial for my development,” he said about making strides learning Kubiak’s system via Nick Walters on X.

“Coming from day 1, just seeing it on paper, to day 2, last night with coaches, really studying… that’s how their footwork and eyes looked, so can we put it on the field today, and I think we did.”

Kubiak knows how to develop quarterbacks

Klint Kubiak has proven to be a high-level offensive architect, capable of maximizing quarterback production in diverse systems. In 2021, as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator, he guided Kirk Cousins to one of his most efficient campaigns, where the veteran threw for 4,221 yards, 33 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions while earning a Pro Bowl selection.

Kubiak took his expertise to Seattle for the 2025 season, where he revolutionized Sam Darnold’s career. Under Kubiak’s West Coast scheme, Darnold delivered an elite regular season with 4,048 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, culminating in a Super Bowl LX victory.

This partnership transformed Darnold from a bridge starter into a championship-caliber quarterback, leading the Seahawks to a franchise-record 14 regular-season wins and their second NFL title.

The challenge of developing Mendoza

After being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Fernando Mendoza joins the Las Vegas Raiders to lead a new era under head coach Klint Kubiak. During his 2025 Heisman-winning campaign at Indiana, he showcased elite pros, including a 72.1% completion rate, 41 touchdowns, and world-class ball placement, particularly on back-shoulder throws and intermediate routes.

His football IQ and ability to process defenses post-snap are seen as his “superpowers.” However, Kubiak must address certain cons from Mendoza’s college tape, such as his tendency to hold onto the ball too long, leading to a high pressure-to-sack rate of 18.9%, and a deep ball that sometimes lacks the strength to hit receivers in stride.

By implementing the quick-release concepts and play-action schemes that Kubiak mastered in San Francisco and Seattle, the Raiders hope to maximize Mendoza’s pinpoint accuracy while shielding him from the pocket instability that occasionally hindered him in college.

When the Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, the fanbase was electrified. Optimism reached new heights at the prospect of a seven-time Super Bowl champion guiding the rookie toward professional success.

While Tom Brady is arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history, general manager John Spytek has clarified the chain of command. Spytek detailed that he will primarily let head coach Klint Kubiak and the coaching staff guide Mendoza’s day-to-day development.

“I don’t think it’s going to be hard,” Spytek said. “We both welcome Tom’s insight and his input. But at the same time, I would say Tom has empowered us to run the day-to-day of the Raiders the way that we see fit. And obviously with the right vision and process in place, we’re going to be a very process-driven organization right now. And I think that wouldn’t surprise anybody with the way that Tom has operated throughout his career.”

If things go wrong, Tom Brady could always step in

Klint Kubiak is in his first year as head coach following a brilliant stint with the Seattle Seahawks, where he won Super Bowl LX. He now inherits a generational prospect in Fernando Mendoza, and the expectations for the Indiana star are already sky-high.

According to Spytek, Brady—who personally welcomed Mendoza after his selection—will allow Kubiak to develop the signal-caller, respecting the boundaries of the coaching staff. Nevertheless, there is a clear strategic reason why the Raiders brought Brady into the ownership group.

If the transition proves difficult, the Raiders will undoubtedly rely on Brady’s unprecedented expertise to assist both Kubiak and Mendoza. Though he is not a coach, his high-level advice could be the catalyst the club needs to finally secure the franchise quarterback fans have craved for decades.

The Raiders have another experienced QB to help Mendoza

Earlier this offseason, the Raiders signed Kirk Cousins. While he may not boast the trophy case of Tom Brady, his extensive veteran experience will be invaluable to Mendoza’s growth.

The Raiders are prepared for a competitive summer between Mendoza and Cousins. However, given his significant college experience and perceived NFL-readiness, the rookie appears to have the inside track to start in Week 1.

Tom Brady, through his X account, made it clear that this is only the beginning of a very demanding path. “Congratulations to all the rookies who are joining the NFL this weekend. I hope you can appreciate this special moment… you’ve earned it through hard work, discipline, and determination. You’ve made your family proud, along with everyone else on your journey that has supported you.

But this is just the beginning. When you wake up tomorrow morning, just know that your career will be defined by what happens going forward. You’ll need to take everything you do to the next level in order to compete with the world’s best. Welcome to Las Vegas Fernando Mendoza. Time to get to work.”

The link between Mendoza and Brady

The relationship between old school and the greatest of all time with the new generation is more alive than ever after Fernando Mendoza revealed that he would have Brady as a mentor if he were selected by the Raiders.

During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Mendoza shared details about his initial connection with Brady and what the legendary quarterback and minority owner of the team told him.

“He gave me the message that he’s going to push me, and he’s not going to be all lovey dovey, and that, if the Raiders draft me, he’s going to be a mentor and wants to pour into whatever QB the Raiders have.”

Having that type of mentorship creates excitement that we could be witnessing the rise of the next big NFL star, one who aims to make history in the league and not disappoint Tom Brady.

During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Mendoza shared insight into his early connection with Brady and what the legendary quarterback and minority owner of the team told him about a potential future in Las Vegas.

“He gave me the message that he’s going to push me, and he’s not going to be all lovey-dovey, and that, if the Raiders draft me, he’s going to be a mentor and wants to pour into whatever QB the Raiders have.”

Tom Brady’s message for Fernando Mendoza

Tom Brady’s message reflects a broader shift within the Las Vegas Raiders. After a disappointing stretch under Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith, Brady had already signaled a more active role in football decisions.

Now, with Klint Kubiak leading a new coaching era, the Raiders appear ready to build around a young quarterback with elite upside. In the QB room, it will be a very interesting scenario with a veteran like Kirk Cousins also mentoring Mendoza and leading the transition.

Will Raiders pick QB Fernando Mendoza in 2026 NFL Draft?

The Raiders are ready to choose Fernando Mendoza. The context makes the moment even more significant. Las Vegas endured a controversial offseason, highlighted by the failed trade attempt involving Maxx Crosby and the Baltimore Ravens, raising questions about the team’s long-term direction.

Landing Mendoza could change that narrative entirely. Fresh off a national championship run with Indiana, he represents not only stability at quarterback but also a potential cornerstone for years to come.

If his development aligns with expectations, and with Brady’s mentorship in place, the Raiders could quickly re-enter contention in a loaded AFC West alongside the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos. Over time, Mendoza may even position the franchise to pursue the ultimate goal: returning to Super Bowl contention.

The Indiana quarterback, who starred for the Hoosiers in their championship win last season, explained that family reasons played a central role in his choice, particularly his desire to share the moment with loved ones who could not easily travel.

His mother, Elsa Mendoza, lives with multiple sclerosis, a health condition that has also been widely reported as a key factor influencing the decision, making a home setting more practical and meaningful for the draft night experience.

Did Fernando Mendoza’s decision affect his draft stock?

No — Fernando Mendoza’s decision did not meaningfully hurt his draft stock. In fact, it has been largely neutral, because he was already locked in as the top quarterback prospect before any major “decision” narrative developed.

His draft position has been consistently stable throughout the 2026 cycle. He is widely projected as the QB1 and a top overall pick, with multiple major draft analysts and outlets placing him at or near No. 1 on their boards.

ESPN evaluators have repeatedly described him as the clear top quarterback in the class thanks to his physical tools, production and championship pedigree. Even broader draft coverage shows the same trend: His Heisman-winning season and national title run at Indiana actually solidified his status.

What team is most likely to draft Fernando Mendoza?

Right now, the strongest and most consistent projection is that the Las Vegas Raiders are the most likely team to draft Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft order.

This alignment is also supported by broader draft consensus: analysts consistently describe him as the “consensus QB1”, and when a prospect holds that status, the team picking first typically becomes the default fit unless a trade disrupts the board.

Bowers spoke with Sam Warren of The Athletic and said it seems like Cousins has been with the Raiders “for years.” He also praised Cousins’ leadership and experience. “It’s definitely helpful to have that presence,” Bowers said. The Raiders as a whole have backed up Kirk Cousins since his arrival.

Cousins and new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak are familiar with each other. They worked together for three years (2019-2021) where Kubiak was Cousins’ WB coach and offensive coordinator. Cousins went to two Pro Bowls during that span.

Having Bowers happy is key for the Raiders

Brock Bowers has just two seasons under his belt but he is an integral part of the Raiders. His talent is other-worldly and despite his team not being successful, he has established himself as one of the best tight ends in the NFL.

Bowers has 1,874 yards in two seasons, alongside seven touchdowns. And, to make it more impressing, he achieved so while missing five games last year. He has earned Pro Bowl honors in both seasons.

The Raiders have an exciting young core

Mendoza is 99.9% guaranteed being a Raider. Hence, the skill positions are nice and young for the team. Mendoza at QB, backed up by Bowers at tight end and running back Ashton Jeanty in his second year make this a promising unit.

They also need to bring a new wideout. It wouldn’t surprise to see them get a good wide receiver at pick number 36 in the 2026 NFL Draft. They still have young wideouts like Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Jack Bech. They also brought in Jalen Nailor. Those are wideouts with potential, but they aren’t established superstars.

When the Raiders confirmed Cousins was joining the team, many wondered what his specific role would be. With Las Vegas widely expected to select Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the veteran could potentially begin the season as QB2.

While Mendoza is not yet on the roster, his selection feels inevitable. Nevertheless, the Raiders believe Cousins will provide invaluable leadership and stability, even if he doesn’t ultimately serve as the long-term starter.

“There’s an understanding of Klint’s offense that I think will help Aidan [O’Connell] and any other quarterbacks that join the group,” general manager John Spytek. “He’s won, he’s hard working, he’s detailed, he’s smart, he’s been a great teammate places he’s been. … Just anytime you have a veteran quarterback in a room that’s played at a high level that you believe can still play well and play at a high level, I think that helps everybody — especially the coaching staff will sleep a little better at night.”

A fierce QB competition

Kirk Cousins is well aware that his job as QB1 is not guaranteed, even suggesting that the battle for the starting job against Fernando Mendoza has already begun. While the veteran is ready for the challenge, he also understands his role as a mentor to the former Indiana standout.

While Cousins could end up as the backup, he remains a fierce competitor. During his time with the Falcons, Atlanta drafted Michael Penix Jr., yet Cousins secured the starting role for the beginning of that campaign.

The Raiders may follow a similar blueprint, using Cousins to provide Mendoza with the time and space needed to adapt to the NFL. This strategy would ensure a smoother transition as Mendoza develops into the franchise legend the team envisions.

Can the Raiders pass on Fernando Mendoza?

It would be a shock to the entire league if the Raiders passed on Mendoza at No. 1 overall. The team is desperate for a quarterback to lead them back to success, and developing the reigning Heisman winner is seen as the clearest path forward.

In recent days, the Raiders confirmed that several teams have inquired about trading for the top pick. However, Las Vegas remains committed to holding the selection and ushering in the Mendoza era.

A compelling narrative is unfolding in Las Vegas. When Cousins signed with the Raiders earlier this month, many questioned whether the team would still target Mendoza with the top pick. However, the organization’s plan has become clear: they intend to foster a competitive environment between the seasoned veteran and the rookie phenom.

Upon his arrival, Cousins thanked the Raiders organization for their belief in him, as he is excited to wear their uniform. He has also openly acknowledged that a competition with Mendoza is on the horizon, stating that “the best player needs to play” and expressing his excitement to lead and mentor the next generation of talent.

“I honestly don’t want to start unless I’m the best option, and I told Klint that,” Cousins said on Good Morning Football. “The best player should play. As long as that’s the case, I have no qualms about however it plays out. I do think Fernando is going to be a great addition to our team. I think he’s going to have a great future in our league. I have no problem being a voice in the room to help him to the degree I can.

“He’s going to have great support around him with the coaching staff, but 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.”

Could the Raiders pass on Fernando Mendoza?

Barring an extraordinary turn of events, it is highly unlikely the Raiders will pass on Mendoza. The franchise is desperate for a long-term solution at quarterback, and the former Indiana standout—who recently led the Hoosiers to a national championship—is widely viewed as the “missing piece” for the Silver and Black.

Holding the No. 1 overall pick gives Las Vegas total control over the draft board. While other quarterback-needy teams are undoubtedly interested in a prospect of Mendoza’s caliber, the Raiders are firmly in the driver’s seat to secure his services on April 23.

While some analysts have suggested that the Raiders could trade down to acquire a massive “haul” of picks—potentially targeting Alabama’s Ty Simpson later in the first round—the consensus among league insiders is that they will stay put.

The Raiders hold all the leverage; they can choose to draft Mendoza and pair him with Cousins, ensuring they have both a “Week 1 ready” veteran and a superstar prospect to lead the franchise into the future.