The Las Vegas Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza as the No.1 pick in the 2026 draft, and the rookie minicamp has wasted no time testing him.
Klint Kubiak's West Coast offense is demanding from day one, and Mendoza has been candid about what the early adjustment has felt like. Speaking with ESPN's Ryan McFadden after Saturday's practice, he described the volume of information coming his way as a “firehose.”
"Instead of being back there in shotgun, we have to get back to make sure you best serve your offensive linemen, still be on time and still decipher the defense," Mendoza said. "And with that, actually having an emphasis on those first two steps, on securing the snap and getting out of there, and powerful with having quick feet."
It's a lot to process, but Mendoza looks locked in. He's focused on the details, building chemistry with the players around him, and trying to understand how offense, defense and special teams connect as one unit rather than just memorizing plays in isolation.
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Mendoza's Under-Center Transition With Raiders
One area drawing attention during camp is how Mendoza looks working from under center. During the media viewing portion McFadden reported that he spent most of his reps in that position, which is central to what Kubiak's system asks of a quarterback.
The adjustment carries real significance. Across three college seasons, two with California Golden Bears and one historic season with Indiana Hoosiers, Mendoza took just five snaps from under center. That number stands out when you consider how heavily Kubiak's offense leans on under-center play-action.
It's not simply a matter of different footwork. The timing changes, the head turn away from the defense adds another layer, and all of it has to happen without disrupting the rhythm of the play.
How Mendoza Is Putting in the Work
Off the field, Mendoza has been putting in serious time in the film room. Reports indicate he's been studying tape of Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold, two quarterbacks who know Kubiak's system well. His focus isn't general either.
Mendoza has been zeroing in on their footwork and eye movement, looking to understand how they operate within the structure of the offense. It's a detailed approach for a player still in his first week of professional football.
Mendoza has the processing ability to make this transition work. How quickly it all clicks will go a long way in shaping what his first season in Las Vegas looks like.
