By prioritizing long-term development over immediate pressure, Las Vegas leans on Tom Brady’s mentorship and veteran Kirk Cousins to ensure their top pick is truly battle-ready.
When any NFL teams acquires a high-profile rookie quarterback, there can be pressure to get that player out on the football field as fast as possible. Whether the charge comes from the front office, the fanbase, the coaching staff or otherwise, sometimes the best approach is instead a patient one.
That appears to be the approach the Las Vegas Raiders have elected to undertake for No. 1 overall selection, quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
One of the league’s all-time greatest quarterbacks, who also happens to be a part of the Raiders’ ownership group, recently evoked a legendary NFL name when it comes to Mendoza’s development timeline. For more on Tom Brady’s comments, Raiders Roundtable writer Bob McCullough has more.
Las Vegas appears to be a team headed in the right direction. Before adding Mendoza in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the team acquired explosive running back Ashton Jeanty in 2025 and dominant pass-catching tight end Brock Bowers in 2023.
Alongside the team’s offensive arsenal, the club also added athletic defenders such as cornerback Treydan Stukes and edge rusher Keyron Crawford in the most recent draft as well.
With the team’s impactful selections in recent years, things are looking up in Vegas. However, the Raiders aren’t likely to be immediate contenders.
This allows the team to be patient and meticulous about their eventual deployment of Mendoza as the face of the franchise.
For now, riding things out with a veteran signal caller in Kirk Cousins is more than sufficient. In fact, the Raiders may have one of the better quarterback situations in the league among rebuilding teams.
Look no further than the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets for examples of the contrary.
Las Vegas’ patient approach is more likely to prove to be the right one. Whether that approach leads the team to Mendoza getting behind center in his second year or halfway through his rookie season, he’ll be all the more prepared when his name is called if the Raiders take their time and remain intentional about his process.
