Mendoza’s Rookie Year in Question | Las Vegas Raiders News

The Las Vegas Raiders just pulled off a blockbuster move by drafting quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft — a phenom from Indiana who led his college team to a national title and dazzled with elite stats: 3,500+ yards, 41 TDs, just 6 INTs, and a stellar 72% completion rate — plus he ran for nearly 300 yards and 7 scores. But here’s the twist: veteran Kirk Cousins is already the starter. Coach Kubiak calls Mendoza “an improving player” but admits he’s still raw, calling rookie camp his “baptism by fire.” Fans are split — some say Mendoza’s ready to go day one, others think he’ll sit out entirely, learning behind Cousins. The Raiders aren’t giving up on him, but they’re not rushing him either. With big expectations and a high-stakes decision ahead, this could be the most talked-about rookie QB situation of the year. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6b846fedfc82779a