Raiders Urged to Let Prized QB Prospect Mendoza Develop Slowly

Former Indiana teammate Kaelon Black says Mendoza is a 'special' talent who is 'detailed' and 'humble'.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:08am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football quarterback's throwing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted earth tones.An abstract illustration captures the complex mechanics of a quarterback's throwing motion, hinting at the intricate development process for a young NFL prospect.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the upcoming NFL Draft, but former teammate Kaelon Black and ex-NFL player Chad Johnson are urging the team to bring Mendoza along slowly. Black praised Mendoza's work ethic and leadership, while Johnson believes Mendoza should sit and learn behind veteran QB Kirk Cousins rather than be thrown into the starting role right away.

Why it matters

The Raiders have lacked a consistent franchise quarterback for years, and Mendoza is viewed as a potential long-term solution. However, many great QBs have benefited from sitting and learning early in their careers, rather than being thrust into the starting job immediately. Developing Mendoza properly could be crucial to the Raiders' future success.

The details

Kaelon Black, Mendoza's former Indiana teammate, spoke highly of the quarterback, calling him 'the most talented quarterback that's out there' and praising his work ethic and leadership. Black said Mendoza was 'one of my favorite teammates I've ever been around' and that 'there's no one more detailed than him.' Former NFL player Chad Johnson also weighed in, saying the Raiders should let Mendoza sit and learn behind veteran Kirk Cousins rather than 'throwing him out there to the wolves' right away. Johnson pointed to other great QBs like Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady who benefited from sitting early in their careers.

  • The Raiders are set to make their selection in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

A former quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers who is expected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza is viewed as a potential long-term solution at quarterback for the Raiders.

Kaelon Black

A former running back for the Indiana Hoosiers who played with Fernando Mendoza. Black spoke highly of Mendoza's work ethic, leadership, and talent.

Kirk Cousins

A veteran quarterback who the Raiders acquired in a trade this offseason. Cousins is expected to serve as a placeholder and mentor for the younger Mendoza.

Chad Johnson

A former NFL wide receiver who believes the Raiders should bring Mendoza along slowly rather than throwing him into the starting role right away.

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What they’re saying

“Man, well, the Raiders are getting the most talented quarterback that's out there. Fernando is very detailed, one of my favorite teammates I've ever been around.”

— Kaelon Black, Former Indiana running back

“I think it's smart for him. Patrick Mahomes sat, Tom Brady sat, and I think the development of quarterbacks is one thing that is a lost gem when it comes to rookie quarterbacks.”

— Chad Johnson, Former NFL player

What’s next

The Raiders will make their selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they are expected to take Fernando Mendoza as their quarterback of the future.

The takeaway

Developing young quarterbacks properly is crucial, and the Raiders would be wise to bring Mendoza along slowly rather than throwing him into the starting role immediately. Allowing him to learn behind a veteran like Kirk Cousins could pay dividends in the long run as the Raiders look to build a consistent winner.