The Las Vegas Raiders aren't quite ready to give Fernando Mendoza the key to their franchise. However, the number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is expected to get to that point this season.
NFL teams have very different philosophies when it comes to starting rookie quarterbacks. Many franchises hand over the reigns to their highly-coveted players immediately, including Drake Maye and Caleb Williams.
Meanwhile, the Raiders do have precedent when it comes to taking things slow with their new QB. Klint Kubiak recently announced that Kirk Cousins will start Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins.
That puts Mendoza in the same category as Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Baker Mayfield when he was drafted first overall. The Cleveland Browns opted to keep Mayfield on the sidelines for the first week in 2018.
MORE: Raiders name starting quarterback for Week 1
#starting #first
NFL teams have very different philosophies when it comes to starting rookie quarterbacks. Many franchises hand over the reigns to their highly-coveted players immediately, including Drake Maye and Caleb Williams.
Meanwhile, the Raiders do have precedent when it comes to taking things slow with their new QB. Klint Kubiak recently announced that Kirk Cousins will start Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins.
That puts Mendoza in the same category as Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Baker Mayfield when he was drafted first overall. The Cleveland Browns opted to keep Mayfield on the sidelines for the first week in 2018.
MORE: Raiders name starting quarterback for Week 1
#starting #first
13 hours ago
