Raiders Seek Franchise QB with Poise, Accuracy

New coach Klint Kubiak outlines key traits the team is looking for in the NFL draft's top pick.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 11:31pm

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The Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. While the team has not officially confirmed their plans, Raiders leadership has provided insight into the specific qualities they are seeking in a franchise quarterback, including decision-making, timing, accuracy, leadership, and a proven track record of winning.

Why it matters

The success or failure of the Raiders' next starting quarterback will likely determine the fate of new head coach Klint Kubiak, who is under pressure to revive the struggling franchise. Identifying the right player to build around is a critical first step in the team's rebuilding process.

The details

Raiders general manager John Spytek and coach Klint Kubiak outlined the key traits they are looking for in a quarterback, including decision-making, timing, accuracy, leadership, toughness, and a love for the game. These qualities align with the strengths of Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana University. While Mendoza has some questions about his deep ball and pocket presence, the Raiders appear convinced he possesses the intangibles to be a successful NFL quarterback.

  • The NFL Combine, where teams can meet with prospects for the first time, wrapped up this week.
  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Indiana University, who is widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Raiders in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who is tasked with reviving the struggling franchise and identifying the right quarterback to build around.

John Spytek

The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, who is working closely with Kubiak to evaluate the top quarterback prospects in the 2023 draft class.

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What they’re saying

“The things that stick out to me are decision-making, timing and accuracy. No matter if it's the first pick in the draft or the last pick, that's what we're looking for. If you're the head of the organization, you have to be the best decision-maker on and off the field. Timing is just getting the ball out on time to our playmakers and not holding onto the ball. And accuracy is as explained. So those three things are really important right there.”

— Klint Kubiak, Head Coach, Las Vegas Raiders

“A leader, tough as hell, somebody that loves to play football, maniacal preparer. Obviously, somebody that can throw the ball well, but I think just somebody that loves the game and will give everything to their teammates, a selfless person, somebody that's going to give their team everything that they got every time that they're out there, prepare the right way, lead the right way. I think there's a great humility and selflessness required to play that position at a high level.”

— John Spytek, General Manager, Las Vegas Raiders

“The team that drafts Fernando Mendoza is getting just a great leader, a great, down-to-earth guy, someone who loves football as well. He's going to do whatever it takes to help his team win and he showcased that this year. He's going to put his body on the line because of how much he loves football and then loves his teammates.”

— Omar Cooper Jr., Teammate, Indiana University

What’s next

The Raiders will continue their evaluation of Mendoza and other top quarterback prospects leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft in April, where they hold the No. 1 overall pick.

The takeaway

The Raiders are laser-focused on finding a franchise quarterback who can serve as the face of the organization and lead them back to relevance. Mendoza's combination of on-field production, leadership qualities, and intangibles make him an ideal fit for what the team is seeking in their next starting QB.