How Will Raiders Split QB Reps In Minicamp After Mendoza Played With Third Team?

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 National Football League draft in a no-brainer move given the landscape of the team.

Mendoza was easily the best QB prospect in the pool and the Raiders had an obvious need for him even before trading veteran QB Geno Smith back to the New York Jets, hence why he had been mocked to go to Las Vegas from the very beginning.

Mendoza has impressed the organization with his work ethic, ability to learn quickly and character thus far, but because he is still learning head coach Klint Kubiak’s system (as are veterans Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell), he worked strictly with the third team at OTAs.

ESPN’s Ryan McFadden said that this was expected, but I’d be lying if I said I expected O’Connell to be getting reps with the second team over Mendoza. O’Connell doesn’t seem to be more than a third-stringer at this point and Mendoza is the future of the franchise.

McFadden doesn’t think that it would be surprising to see the Raiders change up how it is splitting reps amongst its quarterbacks in minicamp.

“During OTAs, Kirk Cousins worked solely with the first team, followed by Aidan O'Connell with the second team and rookie Fernando Mendoza playing with the third team,” McFadden wrote Monday. “That wasn't surprising, given Mendoza is still learning the system and the Raiders are being patient with his development.

“Mendoza has impressed the coaches and teammates with his work ethic and ability to pick things up quickly. It's not guaranteed, but it wouldn't be surprising if the Raiders switch up the quarterback reps a bit to see where Mendoza is at before they take a monthlong break ahead of training camp.”

It isn’t a big deal that Mendoza was working only with the third team, especially because the team wants to see him develop properly. Speaking of developing properly, coach Kubiak strongly prefers not to start a rookie quarterback on day one, meaning it’s entirely likely that Cousins starts for the Raiders to begin the season.

That isn’t a bad thing, as it would give Mendoza a chance to sit, watch and learn from a veteran with a similar playstyle. It was boldly predicted that Mendoza would start within the first few weeks of the season, but even if he doesn’t, he’s in a good spot moving forward.