High NFL Draft choose might initially sit behind veteran QB, Raiders coach says

[ad_1] NEW Now you can take heed to Fox Information articles!

Las Vegas could also be Fernando Mendoza’s first NFL cease. But when he joins the Raiders as a rookie, his jersey might keep clear early if coach Klint Kubiak has his means.

Mendoza led Indiana to its first School Soccer Playoff national title in January and is broadly projected because the No. 1 total choose in April’s NFL Draft, a variety held by the Raiders.

Klint Kubiak was named the Raiders head coach in February, shortly after serving to to guide the Seattle Seahawks to the franchise's second Tremendous Bowl title as offensive coordinator.

Kubiak believes rookie quarterbacks profit from studying from an skilled participant earlier than seeing recreation motion.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak speaks at an introductory information convention at Intermountain Well being Efficiency Middle on Feb. 10, 2026, in Henderson, Nev. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Photos)

"Ideally, you do not need him to begin from Day 1," Kubiak advised reporters Tuesday. "You'd love him to have the ability to study behind anyone. That is in an ideal world. It would not all the time work out that means. Typically they need to play from Day 1, and it is our job as coaches to get them able to go. I believe it does assist the participant if they will sit behind a mature grownup and watch how they run the present."

MAXX CROSBY’S WIFE REACTS TO RAVENS TRADE FALLOUT WITH THREE-WORD MESSAGE

Aidan O'Connell is the one different quarterback on the Raiders's roster after the staff traded Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett signed with the Panthers. Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson are among the many veterans who stay unsigned.

The Raiders’ playoff win drought dates to the 2002 season, when the franchise received the AFC championship.

Kubiak pointed to Fernando Mendoza’s monitor report when requested in regards to the quarterback.

"He is a nationwide champion. He is a winner," Kubiak stated of Mendoza. "He is fast. He is clever."

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza passes towards Miami in the course of the first half of the School Soccer Playoff nationwide championship recreation Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Picture/Rebecca Blackwell)

On protection, the Raiders nonetheless have five-time Professional Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby after his commerce to Baltimore was voided as a result of he failed a bodily.

Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak speaks to the media forward of the Tremendous Bowl on the San Jose Conference Middle Feb. 5, 2026, in San Jose, Calif. (Eakin Howard/Getty Photos)