Learning to play under center
Mendoza has primarily taken snaps under center during rookie minicamp as he adjusts to head coach Klint Kubiak's offense after playing almost exclusively in shotgun formation in college, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.
Mendoza took just five snaps under center in three years split between California and Indiana, and the rookie first overall pick said after Saturday's practice that he "still has a long way to go" as he acclimates to playing primarily under center at the NFL level. He's a quick and motivated learner by all accounts, but if Mendoza needs more time to adjust to the NFL level, that could open the door for veteran Kirk Cousins to beat out the heralded rookie for the starting job out of the gate. More clarity on the state of Vegas' quarterback competition will likely materialize during training camp and the preseason in the coming months.
More Las Vegas Raiders Fantasy Football News
Malik Benson
Heads to Raiders
The Raiders selected Benson in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 195th overall.
Mike Washington Jr.
Goes to Las Vegas
The Raiders selected Washington in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 122nd overall.
Trey Zuhn III
Heads to Las Vegas
The Raiders selected Zuhn in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 91st overall.
Keyron Crawford
Grabbed by Raiders
The Raiders selected Crawford in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 67th overall.
Treydan Stukes
Taken by Las Vegas in second round
The Raiders selected Stukes in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 38th overall.
Kirk Cousins
Raiders draft QB first overall
Cousins is set for a quarterback competition with rookie first overall pick Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O'Connell, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.
Fernando Mendoza
Taken by the Raiders
The Raiders selected Mendoza in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, first overall.
Kirk Cousins
Reaches deal with Las Vegas
Cousins agreed Thursday with the Raiders on a contract, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.
Maxx Crosby
Embraces playing for Raiders
Crosby (knee) shared a message affirming his commitment to playing for Las Vegas on Wednesday, one day after the Ravens reneged on a trade agreement that would have sent him to Baltimore in exchange for 2026 and 2027 first-round draft picks, Ryan McFadden of ESPN reports.
Kirk Cousins
Released by Atlanta
The Falcons released Cousins on Wednesday, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.
