Las Vegas’ top draft pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, has drawn praise from teammates and coaches during the Raiders’ offseason program, according to Raiders coaches and players. Mendoza was the No. 1 selection in the 2026 draft after winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to its first national championship.
Wide receiver Tre Tucker said he was struck first by Mendoza’s size — the rookie is listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds — and then by his mentality. Tucker added that Mendoza arrives at the facility each day as if he must still earn a roster spot, an attitude the veteran called encouraging for a player with Mendoza’s pedigree.
All-Pro punter AJ Cole described Mendoza as authentic and highly motivated and cautioned that the team does not expect him to carry the franchise alone. Cole said the rookie should simply be himself rather than take on outsized expectations.
Several veterans echoed those assessments. Tight end Brock Bowers said Mendoza has been a positive locker-room presence, while defensive end Maxx Crosby said the team notices Mendoza’s energy every day. Center Tyler Linderbaum praised the rookie’s willingness to absorb information in meetings and apply it on the field, and wide receiver Jalen Nailor called him intellectually engaged and always seeking to learn from others.
Assistant head coach Mike McCoy noted Mendoza impressed with his line of questioning at the scouting combine and has continued to challenge coaches and other quarterbacks with his curiosity. McCoy and the offensive staff emphasized that the first year requires patience as the team installs a system intended for the long term.
Mendoza has said he was starting at the bottom of the totem pole, and his practice reps reflected that. During OTAs and mandatory minicamp, veterans Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell took the primary team reps while Mendoza worked with other rookies in walk-throughs and followed behind the veterans in team periods each practice.
