Overview
- Anonymous college coaches questioned whether Fernando Mendoza has NFL-caliber traits, citing heavy use of back-shoulder throws that they say turn into interceptions in the pros, while others praised his poise on big stages and called him a complete prospect.
- The Raiders plan for Mendoza to open behind veteran Kirk Cousins, and Cousins said the best player should play.
- At rookie minicamp, Mendoza took more snaps under center than he did in his entire season at Indiana, signaling a move from shotgun to Klint Kubiak’s dropback offense.
- Mendoza said he would skip Indiana’s White House visit if it conflicts with practice, a work-first stance that rookie teammates say matches his early leadership and easy fit in the locker room.
- FOX Sports research shows every No. 1 quarterback in the past 20 years played as a rookie, which could test Las Vegas’ patience and Tom Brady’s preference that first-year passers sit and learn.