Ed Graney: Raiders need a veteran presence to mentor Mendoza

Ed Graney, Las Vegas Review-Journal on Apr 2, 2026

Published in Football

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PHOENIX — It seems to be a unanimous opinion around the Las Vegas Raiders, this idea that having a veteran quarterback to start the season would be the most favorable of circumstances.

Makes sense. Why rush a rookie when you don’t have to?

The team is all set to select Indiana star Fernando Mendoza with the first overall selection in the NFL draft, but the idea of him playing right away doesn’t appear to be a leading choice of those in charge.

“I think in a perfect world, (a rookie) is watching a mature adult go run an offense and a team,” coach Klint Kubiak said from the league meetings Tuesday. “But you might not have that veteran. So that (rookie) might have to come in and play immediately.

“You’d rather him learn before getting into a game but it doesn’t always work out exactly how you want. You want to make sure you’re bringing in an individual or draft pick who’s mature enough to handle some adversity, whether he’s starting the first game or starting the first game of Year 2.”

Mendoza has certainly given off such a vibe on and off the field. If he’s as sharp and polished in picking up an offense as he is in interviews, the Raiders would be on a good track with him.

John Spytek is a general manager who has also said he prefers a young quarterback should bide his time behind a more veteran presence.

(Kirk Cousins, anyone?)

It’s also true, Spytek said, that it’s vital a rookie has good players around him. To prop him up. To make life and the job a little easier.

But there is another point to this: Convincing the veteran it’s his job to come in and be a mentor to that rookie.

That when the younger quarterback is ready and has earned the opportunity, you play him. Especially a guy you choose No. 1 overall.

A team’s record and success rate would obviously dictate when a player like Mendoza might get that initial shot, but it’s important whoever the veteran might be buys into the overall plan.

“We have 10 draft picks,” Spytek said. “I’d love for some of those guys to play and play well. But I don’t want them to feel burdened like they have to. We can teach them and they can work hard and learn the system and how to be a professional and then play.”

This is a long-term plan for the Raiders. To build a program that in time might be a contender in the AFC West. So if you have a chance to groom Mendoza without applying the pressure of having to perform immediately, all the better.

He will be the guy eventually. And fans are clamoring to see him in silver and black. But pumping the brakes to start is hardly the worst strategy.

“We have to go draft him first,” Kubiak said. “Between now and then, it’s about making the right decision with that first draft pick because it’s going to be really important … (Mendoza) is a national champion. He’s a winner. He’s accurate. He’s quick. He’s strong. He’s tall. He’s intelligent.”

Yeah. Seems like enough to justify that No. 1 pick.

There’s not a lot of mystery here. The only thing in question is which other names will share the quarterback room with Mendoza.

Aidan O’Connell is the only one on the roster at this point, but Spytek said they’ll have some answers on the position in the coming weeks. Which likely means to get ready for that veteran presence.

It’s the correct road to travel if they can make it work. If whoever they bring in understands and embraces the plan. Fans might not like it but this is about scaling a mountain rather than already being just footsteps from its peak.

“Ideally, you don’t want a (rookie) starting from Day 1,” Kubiak said. “Sometimes, they have to and it’s our job as coaches to get them ready to go.

“We’re not going to ask a veteran to be a teacher. That’s our job. We just want the guy to lead with his play and lead by example. They have enough to worry about getting the ball out of their hand and not getting sacked. We just want them to play their best football and the young guy can learn from that.”

That’s the perfect world.

That’s what would be the best outcome.

Fernando Mendoza will be the guy eventually.

Why rush it?

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