During his visit, Mendoza said he greeted Cousins and noted they share a similar play style. He has long studied Cousins’ game, including his reads and footwork, dating back to his days at Berkeley, and called a potential teammate relationship with the veteran a “full-circle moment” and a source of leadership.
Cousins, meanwhile, suggested Mendoza would be a strong addition and indicated he expects to be in a position to help him develop. On Good Morning Football, he framed the situation as one where the best players should play, and he expressed willingness to be a guiding presence in the Raiders’ quarterback room.
Mendoza also addressed concerns about moving from Indiana’s RPO-heavy offense to an NFL-style system. He emphasized his experience across four different offensive coordinators and schemes, arguing that RPO decisions sharpen split-second reads and that he’s actively preparing to operate in a pro-style offense at the next level.
With the draft approaching on April 23, the Raiders’ evaluation of Mendoza remains a focal point as they consider a potential No. 1 overall selection. Mendoza’s openness to learning and Cousins’ support could influence how the team shapes its quarterback room and offensive approach for the 2026 season.
