Raiders QB coach Mike Sullivan shares some fulfilling thoughts on Fernando Mendoza’s development so far
The Las Vegas Raiders needed their franchise quarterback, so they went and drafted Fernando Mendoza.
The Las Vegas Raiders had to take a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick. When you look at the history of the position in Vegas since the Raiders arrived, it’s terrible. Fernando Mendoza was too good to pass up on.
However, that doesn’t mean he will be the immediate starter. I think everyone kind of feels right now that Kirk Cousins is the guy. But that’s for now. There’s a “battle” going on in that room, but it’s Cousins’ job to lose the Week 1 starter job. Mendoza still has a while to go before he’s ready. The NFL is a different breed than the Big Ten or even the SEC. Regardless, he’s developing well so far.
Raiders QB coach Mike Sullivan talks Fernando Mendoza so far
“It is a long process, and there’s no shortcut to it,” QB coach Mike Sullivan. “There’s no magic wand where a guy can develop the type of skills necessary to be successful in the offense, particularly talking under center type work or getting into a consistent rhythm and timing with your footwork.
“Right now, we’ve gone through the installation [process], and we still have the [mandatory] minicamp; there’s a long road ahead. He’s still [learning] what to do, making sure he knows his job, and then we can start to take some of the next steps, but it’s a long road [and] a lot of work to do. We’re pleased with the work that he’s been putting into this point.”
The Raiders have deployed so many quarterbacks over the last few years. Since Derek Carr’s departure, seven other quarterbacks have started games for the Raiders. In 2026, they could have Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza both start, too, bringing the total to nine.
Mendoza has to be the guy, because they can’t afford for him not to be. However, they have to make sure they get the process right. It sounds like they are so far.