Raiders Coach Shares Thoughts on Top QB Prospect Ahead of NFL Draft

Head coach Klint Kubiak discusses Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, expected to be the No. 1 overall pick.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:04pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the dynamic movements of a football quarterback, conveying the raw energy and promise of the Raiders' top draft prospect.A cubist interpretation of the Raiders' top draft target, Fernando Mendoza, captures the quarterback's dynamic athleticism and potential to reshape the franchise.

The Raiders are expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, impressed with his accuracy, poise, and leadership throughout the 2025 season. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak praised Mendoza's skillset and potential, but noted the team may prefer to have him sit behind a veteran quarterback initially rather than start him right away.

Why it matters

The Raiders have a critical decision to make with the No. 1 pick, and their choice of quarterback will shape the direction of the franchise for years to come. Mendoza is widely viewed as the top QB prospect, but the team must weigh the benefits of letting him develop versus potentially thrusting him into the starting role from day one.

The details

Mendoza, 22, completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in leading Indiana to an undefeated season and national championship in 2025. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak praised Mendoza's skillset, saying 'He's a national champion, he's winner, he's accurate, he's quick, he's strong, he's tall, he's intelligent.' However, Kubiak noted the team may prefer to have Mendoza sit behind a veteran quarterback initially rather than start him right away, in order to 'limit the amount of pressure' on the young QB.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is just weeks away.
  • Mendoza will hold his pro day at Indiana on Wednesday.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The 22-year-old Indiana quarterback is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after leading the Hoosiers to an undefeated season, a national championship, and winning the Heisman Trophy.

Klint Kubiak

The head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who has praised Mendoza's skillset but also expressed a preference for having a rookie quarterback sit behind a veteran initially.

John Spytek

The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, who has also stated a preference for not immediately starting a rookie quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“He's a national champion, he's winner, he's accurate, he's quick, he's strong, he's tall, he's intelligent.”

— Klint Kubiak, Head Coach, Las Vegas Raiders

“Ideally, you don't want him to start from day one. You'd love him to be able to learn behind somebody. That's in a perfect world. Like I said before, it doesn't always work out that way. Sometimes they have to play from day one, and it's our job as a coach to get them ready to go. I think it does help the player if they can sit behind a mature adult and watch how they run the show.”

— Klint Kubiak, Head Coach, Las Vegas Raiders

“You want to limit the amount of pressure you have on that guy on the start. If you have a young quarterback, I'm not necessarily in favor of running him out there right away either. Another quality player that can play the position if you have a quarterback, obviously a great offensive line, a run game, all the things that can limit his chances to really get killed.”

— John Spytek, General Manager, Las Vegas Raiders

What’s next

The Raiders will attend Mendoza's pro day at Indiana on Wednesday to further evaluate the top QB prospect ahead of the draft.

The takeaway

The Raiders face a critical decision with the No. 1 overall pick, as they must weigh the benefits of starting the highly touted Mendoza immediately versus allowing him to develop behind a veteran quarterback. Their choice will shape the franchise's future at the most important position.