The Las Vegas Raiders have a ton of rookies who could have big roles on this team immediately.
Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza (15) and Kirk Cousins (8) throw the ball as assistant head coach Mike McCoy (left) watches during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Las Vegas Raiders had one of the best 2026 NFL Drafts in the league. They have several players who can make an immediate impact. There are three, maybe four, who could start this year and certainly next year.
John Spytek did a fantastic job. He did his part; now it’s the coaching staff’s turn. Luckily, the staff has a plan in place for the rookies they have on board.
Raiders assistant head coach Mike McCoy said the Raiders have a “detailed plan” as how to they’ll address their quarterback situation and when they’ll play Fernando Mendoza.
Said it will “play itself out over time,” and the most important thing is to stick to their plan.
— Sam Warren (@samwarren83) June 9, 2026
“I think it’s a gut decision at certain times with certain players, and every player and every team is different. What is the situation of the organization? What is your plan going in? We have a plan,” assistant head coach Mike McCoy said regarding their plan for the rookies.
“We have a detailed plan on how we’re going to do this thing, and it all plays itself out over time, but I think the most important thing is that you just stick to your plan, and when you know, you make that decision. It’s not just the quarterbacks. It’s every position on this team. We’ve got a lot of young players here, and there’s only one way for those guys to learn, and that’s to play.”
Raiders need a good plan for rookie QB Fernando Mendoza
The Raiders need a plan for Fernando Mendoza, too. And, they probably have one. So far, through OTAs and now one Mandatory Minicamp, the Raiders have Mendoza as the QB3. Some fans may flip out about that, but they’re really making him work for it. This is all about making sure Mendoza is actually ready, and not just throwing him out into the fire.
Mendoza will most likely be a backup to start the season. Kirk Cousins seems to be the presumed starter for Week 1 against the Dolphins. This will allow Mendoza to sit and watch closely how a pro who’s been doing it at a high level for a while does things. This plan is exactly what they should be doing.
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