As the team approaches camp, former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr shared his perspective on Mendoza’s path to becoming a starter. Carr expressed enthusiasm about the Raiders adding a young quarterback to the roster and emphasized the importance of patience in Mendoza’s development. He noted the significant adjustment Mendoza will face transitioning from Indiana’s offense to the complexity of the NFL, including reads, defensive looks, and the overall pace of professional football.
In his final college season with the Indiana Hoosiers, Mendoza logged substantial game action, totaling 724 snaps. He produced 2,758 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and five interceptions. His efficiency rating was noted with a 87.9 overall PFF grade. Mendoza also demonstrated playmaking ability, recording 16 big-time throws and nine turnover-worthy plays. On the ground, he added 200 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, contributing as a dual-threat option.
Derek Carr’s optimism about Mendoza centers on the long-term development plan. He believes Mendoza will benefit from learning the nuances of boot concepts, screen plays, and play-action, while acknowledging that the transition from collegiate to professional football introduces a substantial learning curve, particularly on third down and in two-minute situations.
Carr also conveyed his hopes for Mendoza’s progress, expressing support for the young quarterback and wishing him success. He framed his outlook as that of a fan who wants Mendoza to reach his full potential, even suggesting Mendoza could surpass Carr’s own Raiders records in time.
Looking ahead to the start of the 2026 season, the Raiders’ path remains tied to how quickly Mendoza can grow into the role, should the opportunity arise. If Cousins begins the year strong, Mendoza’s continued development on the bench would be essential to shaping the franchise’s future leadership.
Off the field, progression in camp will also hinge on the chemistry Mendoza develops with his teammates, including receivers who will be instrumental in his acclimation to the pro game. One notable connection being discussed is Mendoza’s rapport with young wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. Thornton has spoken positively about Mendoza’s demeanor and consistency, noting that Mendoza carries himself with a steady presence that resonates with teammates.
In summary, the Raiders are navigating a delicate balance between winning now and grooming a potential future franchise quarterback. The coaching staff’s assessments during training camp and the preseason will determine how Mendoza’s development is structured and how soon he might be pressed into regular-duty action if the opportunity presents itself. As always, patience and measured progression will be critical elements in this high-stakes evaluation.
