The 2026 NFL Draft is set to kick off with a bang, and the Las Vegas Raiders are at the center of attention. All signs indicate that they’re gearing up to select Fernando Mendoza as their top pick. While the Raiders haven’t made any official announcements, it’s clear that Mendoza is poised to be the first name called.
Mendoza, the talented quarterback, is already preparing for his potential move to Las Vegas. He’s keeping things cool in public, but behind the scenes, he’s reportedly diving deep into the Raiders’ playbook. NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah shared some insights on The Pat McAfee Show, revealing that Mendoza is working closely with Brian Griese, former quarterback and ex-San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks coach, to get a head start on the Raiders’ offensive strategies.
This approach mirrors what we saw with Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals back in 2020. By getting familiar with the offensive language and concepts early, Mendoza is setting himself up for a smoother transition into the NFL. Griese, who has a rich history with the Shanahan system, brings valuable experience that could be instrumental for Mendoza’s development.
While this pre-draft preparation doesn’t eliminate all the challenges of being a rookie quarterback, it certainly gives Mendoza a leg up. The pressure on a first pick is immense, and the Raiders will be keen to see how ready Mendoza is to take the reins. His early work with Griese might just be the edge he needs to hit the ground running.
If Mendoza can leverage this head start effectively, he might be looking at a promising rookie season with the Raiders. The future certainly looks bright for both Mendoza and Las Vegas, and fans have every reason to be excited about what’s to come.