Overview
- General manager John Spytek said the Raiders will be on campus for Indiana’s pro day Wednesday to watch Fernando Mendoza throw after he skipped passing drills at the combine.
- Kubiak told reporters Tuesday he would rather a rookie not start from Day 1, and with only Aidan O’Connell on the roster the team is exploring veterans, with reports linking Kirk Cousins as a bridge option.
- Spytek has declined to reveal draft plans and stressed following the team’s process, though multiple outlets report Las Vegas is expected to take Mendoza with the first pick.
- A coach who faced Indiana told The Athletic he was surprised by the consensus No. 1 buzz and questioned whether Mendoza has an elite arm or athletic trait, even as others praise his accuracy, size and poise.
- Reporting shows the Raiders scouted other quarterbacks during the 2025 season and vetted Mendoza repeatedly, with minority owner Tom Brady present at key games, underscoring an exhaustive review before the draft in Pittsburgh.