The NFL training camp hype is real, and all eyes should be on Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders’ No. 1 overall draft pick. This isn’t just about the top selection, it’s about what the Raiders are reportedly planning: sitting Mendoza and letting Kirk Cousins handle the early quarterback duties. If that happens, these preseason games might be your last chance to see the guy for a while, and honestly, sitting a top-10 QB for a whole season feels a bit wild, especially when it’s not due to injury.
Mendoza’s Skills and a Giants’ Hybrid Threat
Mendoza rolls into the NFL with a reputation as a tough, smart, and highly competitive thrower who also has decent athleticism. You should absolutely expect to see plenty of him across the three preseason games, even with the Raiders wanting to give Cousins enough reps and maybe even showcase Aidan O’Connell for a potential trade. There’s some real schematic overlap between what Mendoza ran at Indiana and what Klint Kubiak’s system will ask him to do. Still, he’s gotta adjust to more under-center snaps and prove he can master the timing and quick-reaction skills at a high level. Plus, the Raiders are stacked with young pass-catching talent, so watching him connect with that crew will be a blast.
Switching to defense, Arvell Reese for the Giants is a serious must-watch. He was a bit of a surprise pick, but nobody’s questioning his talent. Reese played a hybrid role at Ohio State, splitting his time between being an edge rusher and an off-ball linebacker. It looks like the Giants are gonna use him in a similar way. Even with some changes up front, Reese could be an absolute monster on a defensive line that already features Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter, plus free agent linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. The Giants tried a similar approach with Carter as a rookie, and it took a bit for him to truly shine. Reese has all the tools to be a star eventually, but his instincts will face a massive test in his first year. The preseason tape for him? It’s gonna be fascinating.
Ty Simpson’s Surprising Path to Rams’ First Team Reps
Now, let’s talk Ty Simpson, the Rams’ 13th overall pick. No, I’m not saying there’s any QB controversy brewing with reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. But the prompt here is about who we’re excited to see in camp and preseason, and that brings us straight to the former Alabama quarterback. Drafting Simpson in their Super Bowl window is already interesting enough to make his progress worth tracking. But here’s the kicker: Rams GM Les Snead confirmed that Stafford’s back injury last offseason completely changed how they’ll manage training camp QB reps, even when Stafford is healthy. That means when the Rams restrict Stafford’s practice performance, Simpson just might get some first-team reps against a defense that includes the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. That’s a massive opportunity for a rookie and something you absolutely can’t miss.
These rookies are stepping into high-stakes situations. Watching them navigate these early challenges in training camp and preseason is going to give us a real glimpse into the future of their teams and the league. Don’t blink, because these guys are about to lay it all out there.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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