The Las Vegas Raiders have pinned their hopes on Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, selecting him first overall in Thursday night’s NFL draft.
Mendoza’s revitalization of the franchise, which hasn’t won a playoff game since their 2002 Super Bowl appearance despite three Lombardi Trophies, is crucial.
However, the Raiders have clarified they will not rush Mendoza’s development, having signed veteran Kirk Cousins, who is expected to start the season.
This top selection places considerable pressure on both Mendoza and the organization to validate the choice, especially as he was not widely considered a top prospect a year ago, despite the pick being telegraphed for months.
Mendoza, who stunningly led Indiana to its first national championship, did not attend the draft in Pittsburgh, opting to watch with family and friends in Miami.
The Raiders’ last No. 1 overall pick is remembered as one of the major busts in NFL draft history. LSU’s JaMarcus Russell went first overall in 2007, lasting just three seasons while going 7-18.
Was Mendoza, a capable quarterback during his two years as the starter at Cal, a one-year wonder at Indiana and beneficiary of a QB-friendly system? Or did coach Curt Cignetti unlock something in Mendoza that will translate to the NFL? The truth also could be somewhere in the middle.
That will be revealed eventually, but the Raiders have something new — hope. Klint Kubiak is the fifth full-time head coach since the club moved to Las Vegas in 2020, and it’s been a similar revolving door with quarterbacks.
But the Raiders also hadn’t built up the rest of the roster to give whichever quarterback was taking snaps a fair chance to succeed.
That appears to be changing.
Second-year general manager John Spytek took advantage of having enough salary-cap space by committing nearly $300 million to eight players, including three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum and wide receiver Jalen Nailor.
The Raiders also bring back tight end Brock Bowers, running back Ashton Jeanty and left tackle Kolton Miller to give Cousins and Mendoza help.
But Mendoza has to do his part, too. The Raiders entered the opening night of the draft on the clock. Now it’s the quarterback who quickly faces a ticking clock.
