The Las Vegas Raiders are just hours away from being on the clock for the 2026 NFL Draft, where they are widely expected to take quarterback Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana. Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy last year for his performance with the Hoosiers, and is now set to become the top overall pick as he takes his talents to the NFL level.
Recently, former NFL quarterback Ben DiNucci broke down one move the Raiders made this offseason that he loves ahead of Mendoza’s anticipated arrival.
“One of the best things that Vegas did, for that organization and Fernando Mendoza, is bringing in Kirk Cousins,” said DiNucci, per the NFL on CBS on X, formerly Twitter. “…I don’t think that Fernando Mendoza should start right away… (Cousins) has kind of been there and done that, a journeyman who’s won a lot of games in the NFL and a perfect guy for Fernando to sit behind and learn behind.”
There has been some question as to how long it will take Mendoza to be ready for the NFL level after the signing of Cousins, who is expected by most to be the Raiders’ starter for Week 1 next year.
Unlike two years ago when he signed with the Atlanta Falcons before being blindsided by their selection of Michael Penix Jr. in the ensuing NFL Draft, Cousins knows this time around that he is not the long term plan at quarterback for Las Vegas, and instead will be there to help mentor Mendoza as he prepares to translate his game to the highest level.
In any case, the 2026 NFL Draft is slated to get underway on Thursday evening from Pittsburgh.
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