Former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon offered a supportive but cautious perspective, acknowledging Mendoza’s toughness, accuracy, competitiveness, and leadership. Gannon emphasized the importance of thorough evaluation of Mendoza’s tape and traits to determine if he is the best long-term fit for Las Vegas. He also suggested that if Mendoza is selected, the optimal path would be for him to sit behind a veteran to learn the NFL game before stepping into a starter role.
Gannon reiterated that immediate readiness is rare for college quarterbacks, underscoring the potential value of a patient development plan in Las Vegas. He cited Aaron Rodgers’ early career as an example of how a quarterback can benefit from time to learn before becoming the full-time starter. The overarching theme from both Cowherd and Gannon centers on situational factors—namely, the Raiders’ supporting cast and coaching stability—being pivotal to Mendoza’s potential success at the NFL level.
