Key facts
- Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is showing rapid improvement during Raiders' offseason practices.
- Coach Klint Kubiak praised Mendoza's work ethic and progress in learning the playbook.
- Mendoza feels he has grown significantly since the start of OTAs.
- Veteran Kirk Cousins is anticipated to be the starting quarterback for the upcoming season.
- Linebacker Nakobe Dean missed mandatory minicamp, with his status unconfirmed by the coach.
Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak has indicated that rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is making significant progress during offseason practices, with training camp looming in late July. Mendoza, the top overall draft pick, is reportedly working hard to absorb the team's playbook and adapt to various offensive schemes, including playing under center, in the gun, and in the pistol formations.
Mendoza expressed confidence in his development, stating he feels he is "leaps and bounds ahead" of where he was at the start of OTAs. He drew parallels to a past transition at Indiana University, which he believes has better prepared him for the influx of new information, teammates, coaches, and systems.
While veteran Kirk Cousins is expected to be the starter, Mendoza is receiving extensive coaching. Cousins emphasized a collaborative approach in the quarterback room, stating that all three quarterbacks, including Aidan O’Connell, prepare together and provide feedback to each other, rather than working in silos. Kubiak echoed this sentiment, asserting that all players on the roster are expected to compete and prepare as if they are starters.
Separately, linebacker Nakobe Dean, who signed a three-year contract, missed the mandatory minicamp. Kubiak declined to comment on Dean's specific status, stating only that the team's priority is to have all players healthy for training camp.