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Raiders Coach Wants Rookie QB to Sit Week 1
Klint Kubiak prefers to ease in new QB Fernando Mendoza
Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:57pm
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A cubist interpretation of a quarterback's dropback captures the complex decision-making and split-second movements of the position.The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. However, Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has indicated he does not want Mendoza to start right away in Week 1 of the upcoming season, preferring to ease the rookie quarterback into the starting role.
Why it matters
Rookie quarterbacks often struggle when thrust into the starting role immediately, so Kubiak's approach could help Mendoza's long-term development and transition to the NFL. The Raiders are looking to build on a promising 2025 season and believe Mendoza has the potential to be their franchise QB, so taking a patient approach with his debut could pay dividends.
The details
Kubiak has stated he would prefer to have Mendoza sit behind a veteran quarterback for at least the first few games of the 2026 season, allowing him to learn the playbook and adjust to the speed of the NFL game before taking over as the starter. This strategy has worked well for other recent high draft pick QBs who were able to learn behind established starters.
- The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for next month (April 2026).
- The 2026 NFL regular season is set to kick off in September 2026.
The players
Klint Kubiak
The head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, known for his patient approach with developing young quarterbacks.
Fernando Mendoza
The Heisman Trophy winning quarterback expected to be selected by the Raiders with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas Raiders
The NFL franchise based in Las Vegas, Nevada that is looking to build on a promising 2025 season and find their long-term starting quarterback.
What they’re saying
“We have to do what's best for Fernando and the team long-term. I don't want to just throw him out there and set him up for failure.”
— Klint Kubiak, Head Coach, Las Vegas Raiders
What’s next
The Raiders will make their selection with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft next month. If they do indeed choose Mendoza, the focus will then shift to how the team plans to integrate the rookie QB and whether Kubiak sticks to his preference of easing him into the starting role.
The takeaway
The Raiders' patient approach with their potential franchise quarterback pick reflects a growing trend in the NFL of teams taking a more measured approach with high draft pick QBs, prioritizing their long-term development over immediate results. This strategy could pay dividends for Las Vegas if Mendoza is able to learn and adjust before taking over as the starter.
