Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nakobe Dean perfectly describes Fernando Mendoza in a way no player has yet
The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Fernando Mendoza this offseason, and it’s clear that everyone is loving him so far.
The Las Vegas Raiders finally took the opportunity presented to them and drafted their franchise quarterback. That’s something that hasn’t been available to them for the last few years, but it’s a move that’s been needed for some time. Now they have Fernando Mendoza.
We have already learned a lot about the rookie quarterback, whether it was in rookie minicamp, OTAs, or Mandatory Minicamp. He’s already improved on some things, as he and the staff have said. And he will only continue to get better, and we will only continue to learn more. We’re already learning that Mendoza has something about him that you just wouldn’t think he has, given the way he is.
“We use the word aura, you know, he has a lot of aura around him,” new LB Nakobe Dean said on NFL Network. “He has positive energy around him. He’s always smiling, everytime I have seen him he’s smiling. He’s always got something nice to say, and he will always say what’s up to you. My first impressions are good. I think we have a coaching staff, offense, and team ready to rally behind him.”
The team seems to be realizing just how good he can be. In a way, it feels like these guys are looking at Mendoza as this sort of prodigy. They look at him as a kid who, they all know, has it, that it factor. But they’re just waiting for him to get his shot. That time will come.
Fernando Mendoza is still on the bottom of the totem pole
The Raiders have a really good quarterback room, probably one of the best in the league when you factor in all three spots. They have a veteran and mentor in Kirk Cousins who has played a ton of high level football. They have the soon to be franchise guy and No. 1 overall pick in Mendoza. And then they have Aidan O’Connell on a rookie deal still who’s started 17 games and has shown some promise.
But, the Raiders have made it known they want Mendoza to work for it. And, he has. He has mentioned that he is primarily getting reps with the third team right now, and a bit of the second team. So, it could be a bit before we see Mendoza actually play in a real meaningful game. However, it’s obvious he’s still the guy.