Overview
- At rookie minicamp over the weekend, Mendoza said most of his reps came from under center, a major shift after taking only five such snaps in college at Cal and Indiana.
- The rookie said he is cramming Kubiak’s playbook, studying film of Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold running similar concepts, and drilling extra footwork and snaps each night with teammates at the team hotel.
- Coaches and executives have signaled a patient plan, with Cousins available to start Week 1 while Mendoza learns the timing, footwork, and reads required in an under‑center, play‑action offense.
- Mendoza told reporters Saturday he might skip Indiana’s May 11 White House visit to avoid missing OTAs, though the team schedule lists OTAs starting May 18, which could leave the trip open.
- Evaluations remain split, as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised Mendoza’s poise on draft night, while an opposing college coach questioned his NFL traits and some analysts said he may not have been the clear No. 1 in a deeper quarterback class.