The Las Vegas Raiders are widely projected to utilize their first-overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft in selecting Fernando Mendoza. This became even more likely after the team acquired another first-round pick via the trade of Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens.

However, the Raiders aren’t planning to rush Mendoza into field action in the NFL like with many No. 1 quarterback picks. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Raiders are looking to go through a route where Mendoza is able to develop with pressure before starting games.

“If the Raiders continue to lean toward drafting Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in April’s draft, their preference is to not start him immediately,” Russini wrote. “Look for Las Vegas to bring a veteran QB in free agency.”

With that option on the table, Ted Nguyen names former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins as a good the Raiders need to consider. The NFL analyst believes the presence of Cousins, who will be released by the Atlanta Falcons this offseason, in Las Vegas will aid the development of Fernando Mendoza significantly.

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“Kirk Cousins would be a good mentor and nerd out partner for Mendoza,” Nguyen wrote.

The Raiders have a veteran presently on their roster in Geno Smith. However, Adam Schefter reports on Saturday that he will be released before the start of the new league year.

Fernando Mendoza would be open to the Raiders’ development plan

With his words at the NFL combine, it’s expected that Fernando Mendoza will be open to the Raiders’ development plan for him if he gets drafted. He’s expressed his admiration for Tom Brady, who will be largely involved in his mentorship in the team, in Indianapolis.

“Who hasn’t admired Tom Brady? More Super Bowl rings than anybody … anybody!” Mendoza said. “So, that opportunity would be fantastic. Tom Brady, I believe, is the greatest quarterback of all time — by a wide margin — and to be able to have the opportunity to be mentored by him, would … mean so much.

“Especially to learn, and I’m all about learning. So from Day 1, you know, I’ve got to learn a lot. It’s gonna be a long journey, and to potentially have a mentor like that, it would be pretty impressive and pretty meaningful.”

Mendoza guided national champion Indiana to a perfect 16-0 record last season and has been nearly unbeatable lately, winning 19 of his last 20 college football starts, a streak that stretches back to his time at Cal during the 2024 campaign. The Heisman Trophy winner is looking to take that to the next stage, taking guidance from the best.