So far, Kubiak and Raiders general manager John Spytek have not disclosed any Mendoza specifics during interviews, signaling that Las Vegas will rely on a thorough review process as it contemplates the draft plan and surrounding needs.
Former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon weighed in, describing Mendoza as a player with intriguing traits. He highlighted qualities such as toughness, accuracy, competitiveness, and leadership, and stressed that determining Mendoza’s fit will require careful tape study and a clear assessment of how he projects into the Raiders’ 2026 plans.
Gannon also suggested that if Mendoza ends up being the choice, the ideal path would involve letting him sit behind a veteran quarterback to learn the system and the league. He pointed to the benefits of a gradual transition, noting that quarterbacks rarely arrive fully prepared for immediate stardom.
Kirk Cousins offered a complementary perspective, telling Yahoo! Sports that Mendoza resembles him in several ways—cerebral, analytical, and similar style—while acknowledging Mendoza may be the No. 1 pick for Las Vegas. Cousins cautioned that differences in career paths will shape Mendoza’s development.
With a few months remaining before the draft, the Raiders’ decision will likely balance immediate needs—such as upgrading the offensive line through free agency—with a longer-term plan around the quarterback of the future. The franchise will weigh patience against the pressure of landing a potential franchise signal-caller at the top of the draft.
