A prominent theory around the Raiders’ first-round plans centers on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who many see as the franchise passer if he lives up to the hype. Mendoza’s 2025 resume features 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, along with 276 rushing yards and seven rushing scores. Such production has elevated him to the top of crowded quarterback boards for teams in need of a long-term solution.
Kubiak acknowledged his limited exposure to Mendoza, noting that he has only seen him in the national championship game and through postgame interviews. He stressed the need to get to know the player more thoroughly, while highlighting Mendoza’s talent and potential. With Seattle’s offensive coordinator role in 2025 occupying much of his attention, Kubiak now has ample time to study Mendoza ahead of the draft.
Las Vegas faces a clear quarterback gap, as veteran Geno Smith appears likely to depart, leaving Aidan O’Connell as the sole backup. The 2026 draft class is not widely regarded for its quarterback depth, which could elevate Mendoza’s stock and make him an attractive target for the Raiders and other QB-needy teams.
The Raiders’ next steps include the NFL Scouting Combine, scheduled to begin February 23 in Indianapolis, where Kubiak will have a critical opportunity to evaluate Mendoza against the broader quarterback landscape. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how Las Vegas balances its draft capital, cap space, and coaching influence to accelerate a return to competitive relevance.
