The Las Vegas Raiders made Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, a move that had been expected for months. Now the focus shifts to how quickly he will take the field.

The Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins in the offseason, a clear signal that they plan to be patient with their rookie signal-caller. General manager John Spytek and coach Klint Kubiak have repeatedly stated they prefer not to start a first-year quarterback at the beginning of the season.

Mendoza has a steep learning curve ahead, from mastering the nuances of playing under center to adjusting to the speed of the NFL. Cousins, who has started for multiple teams over a decade-long career, can serve as a mentor on everything from the smallest details to the biggest differences between college and pro football.

Fans eager to see the new franchise quarterback in action may have to wait. The organization wants Mendoza to be fully prepared before taking over. “You want him more than ready before taking the reins,” the article notes. “You want him confident in every phase.”

There is no doubt Mendoza is the long-term answer. But the smart play, according to the analysis, is to let him sit and learn from Cousins, then evaluate as the season progresses. The Raiders believe this approach gives Mendoza the best chance to succeed when he eventually takes over.