The Raiders went all-in, drafting Fernando Mendoza at number one overall, yet Kirk Cousins is still the guy under center to open the season. That’s the official word, even after Mendoza flashed some serious potential in preseason. Look, the performance was “up and down,” sure, but when you take a quarterback with the top pick, you expect that guy to be the future, right? Now we’re hearing the future might be taking a little longer to get here.
A Tireless Worker Behind the Starter
General Manager John Spytek spoke on Tuesday, and he wasn’t exactly surprised by Mendoza’s early run. He said the guy we saw in the preseason is the same guy they scouted during the pre-draft process. Spytek laid out exactly what they like about Mendoza, and it’s a list that should get any fan hyped. He’s a “tireless worker.” He “loves football.” He “loves his teammates.” Plus, he’s “energetic on the field,” “self-critical,” “self-aware,” and “very accurate.” That’s the kind of dedication you want from a franchise quarterback, someone who’s all-in on his craft.
Earning It: The Long Game for a Top Pick
Despite all that praise, Spytek made it clear: Mendoza’s “time is coming, but he’s got to earn it every day, and he knows that.” He stressed that the team is “very pleased with the person and his work ethic and his commitment to being a great quarterback.” The Raiders want Mendoza “ready” before he hits the field, and Spytek even brought up guys like Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love to prove there isn’t just one path to developing a young signal-caller. So, while we’re all itching to see Mendoza take the reins, it looks like he’ll be putting in the work behind the scenes for a bit. The wait might be tough, but if it means getting a truly prepared, top-tier QB, then we’ll be watching to see how he earns it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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