Mendoza’s college résumé is notable for extensive playing time and a pro-style offense, factors that could ease the transition to the NFL. If Geno Smith signs elsewhere after a disappointing season, Mendoza would be positioned to compete for—and potentially win—the starting job as a rookie.
A trade-down scenario could net Las Vegas a substantial package of picks, and one veteran quarterback with upside who could fit the Raiders’ needs is Malik Willis. Kurt Benkert, a former Packers quarterback, believes the Raiders should pursue Willis after trading down, arguing he could flourish in Klint Kubiak’s system.
Benkert wrote on X that “Malik Willis would go CRAZY in (Klint) Kubiak’s system with the Raiders,” adding that the team could fetch a Chicago-type haul for the No. 1 pick and flip the script, potentially landing Carnell Tate and additional linemen.
Willis has started only six NFL games, but his last three starts have produced a 2-1 record with six touchdowns and no interceptions over the past two seasons. He entered the league as a highly regarded prospect thanks to his arm strength and athletic traits, and he has shown occasional competence in limited opportunities with the Packers. At 26, he represents a tantalizing but unproven option in free agency.
Is Willis a better fit for the Raiders than Mendoza? Both head coach Klint Kubiak and offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur run systems that could suit Willis, but the risk is substantial given his small sample size and the talent gap the Raiders would face compared with the Packers. Mendoza offers a younger, college-proven path, making the decision a balance between upside and proven college production. The debate—whether to chase a long-term quarterback prospect at No. 1 or to trade down for a combination of picks and a veteran option—remains ongoing among analysts.
