Raiders' Ideal Plan for Rookie QB Fernando Mendoza

Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak has expressed a preference regarding the immediate playing time for quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The Raiders are widely expected to select Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, with the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft next month.

Mendoza is the overwhelming favorite to go first after leading Indiana to its first national championship. However, Kubiak indicated that starting immediately is not the preferred path for the highly touted rookie.

Kubiak's Preference for Player Development

Speaking on Tuesday, Kubiak shared his philosophy on integrating a rookie quarterback into the starting lineup. "Ideally, you don’t want him to start from day one," Kubiak stated. "You’d love him to be able to learn behind somebody. That’s in a perfect world."

Kubiak acknowledged that circumstances sometimes dictate immediate action. "It doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes they have to play from day one and it’s our job as coaches to get them ready to go," he added. He believes sitting behind a veteran is beneficial for a young player's growth.

Current Quarterback Situation in Las Vegas

Currently, Aidan O’Connell is the only other quarterback listed on the Raiders' roster following recent trades involving Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett. Several veteran quarterbacks, including Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Russell Wilson, remain unsigned in the league.

Kubiak, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, replaced Pete Carroll. He is tasked with revitalizing a franchise that has not secured a playoff victory since the AFC championship game following the 2002 season.

Praise for Mendoza and Defensive Stability

Kubiak offered praise for the expected top pick, noting Mendoza’s accomplishments. "He’s a national champion, he’s a winner," Kubiak said of the quarterback. "He’s quick. He’s intelligent."

On the defensive side, the Raiders retained five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby after a potential trade to Baltimore was voided when Crosby failed a physical. Kubiak expressed enthusiasm about Crosby remaining with the team.

"We got Maxx back. Are you kidding me? That’s great. Our team just got better," Kubiak commented. He sees Crosby frequently while the defensive leader rehabs his knee at the team facility. Kubiak emphasized Crosby’s importance: "He’s the best player on our defense... He’s going to be a leader on our team and a guy that we’re counting on to go win a lot of games with him."

Notes on Former Raider Geno Smith

Baltimore Ravens coach Jesse Minter mentioned his team’s initial excitement about acquiring Crosby and subsequent disappointment when the deal collapsed. Baltimore subsequently signed 2024 All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Minter stated, "So much respect for Maxx... Tons of respect for him as a player and the Raiders as an organization."

Jets coach Aaron Glenn has high expectations for Geno Smith. Smith struggled significantly in his single season back in Las Vegas after reuniting with Carroll. The 35-year-old Smith led the NFL with 17 interceptions and finished the season with a 2-13 record as a starter in Las Vegas.

Cleveland Browns QB Competition Heats Up

The Cleveland Browns are providing Deshaun Watson an opportunity to contend for the starting quarterback role against Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Team owner Jimmy Haslam expressed cautious optimism about Watson potentially achieving a major career turnaround.

Haslam noted the league trend of quarterbacks overcoming poor starts to reach Super Bowl success. He acknowledged Watson's prior high ranking before his suspension and subsequent injuries. Watson is entering the final year of a massive $230 million, five-year fully guaranteed contract.

Watson has only started 19 games for the Browns, holding a 9-10 record, and has not played since 2024 due to two ruptures of his right Achilles tendon. New Browns coach Todd Monken plans to vary practice reps daily based on performance rather than dividing them evenly, potentially giving Sanders, who finished last season as the starter, the initial edge.