Arrowhead Pride on Fernando Mendoza

Mendoza won't start but rookie minicamp buzz suggests he could push for playing time.

Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is not expected to open the season as the starter after the Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins during the offseason. However, Mendoza has already generated buzz during rookie minicamp, and training camp will provide the first real glimpse at how quickly he can adjust to the NFL and whether he can begin pushing for playing time.

Fernando MendozaLVPlayer page — value, ADP, projections, and every insight