The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the NFL draft, and his championship résumé is a key factor. Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a 16-0 record and a national title, embodying the winning culture the Raiders aim to build.

General manager John Spytek emphasized that while talent is paramount, a player’s background matters. “It’s really about the global profile as a player,” Spytek said. “There are some programs that do it really well right now — the ones you see in the playoffs and national championship every year. We can all understand that those programs have a way about building and coaching and developing players, which is really helpful.”

Spytek noted that the Raiders won’t dismiss players from less successful programs, but when all else is equal, a winning pedigree carries weight. The team has already signed several free agents from winning organizations like the Ravens, Eagles, Packers, 49ers, and Seahawks.

However, Mendoza may not start immediately. The Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins, and both Spytek and coach Klint Kubiak prefer to let rookies develop. “It’s a hard position to play,” Spytek said. “There’s a lot to learn beyond throwing a football and being a teammate.” Cousins, familiar with Kubiak’s offense, is expected to mentor Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell.

Spytek looks for intangibles like love of football, discipline, and accountability. “I think anytime you have a veteran quarterback in the room that’s played at a high level … I think that helps everybody, especially the coaching staff, sleep a little better at night,” he added.