Las Vegas Raiders develop rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza
Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza was selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft and has shown strong progress in Raiders minicamps. Coaches praised his work ethic, with quarterback coach Klint Kubiak noting, “He’s getting a ton better, putting the work in,” and Mendoza saying he feels “leaps and bounds ahead of where I was.”
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, signed in the off‑season, appears to be the starter for Week 1, with head coach Kubiak stating, “We’re counting on him come the season.” Both players are competing in the quarterback room, while the coaching staff continues to develop Mendoza through extensive practice reps under center, in the gun and pistol formations. The Raiders hope the veteran’s presence will accelerate Mendoza’s growth and eventually hand the franchise quarterback role to the rookie.
The team is also adding offensive‑line talent and building around tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty, signaling a broader effort to improve the Raiders’ offensive efficiency after several losing seasons.