It is clear that the Pete Carroll project failed, which is why he was fired just one year after being hired as the franchise’s head coach. In addition, the decision to go with Geno Smith as the team’s quarterback was also a mistake, as he finished the season tied for the league lead with 16 interceptions alongside Tua Tagovailoa.
A new era is quickly beginning for the Raiders, and the key figures are practically in place. Las Vegas has signed its new head coach, Klint Kubiak, who shined as the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl LX champion Seahawks and did an outstanding job developing Sam Darnold, who had a spectacular season.
Holding the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming Draft, it is a fact that the Raiders will select Fernando Mendoza, acquiring the best quarterback available. The biggest challenge the new Raiders project will face is competing in one of the toughest divisions in the league: the AFC West, alongside the Broncos, Chargers, and Chiefs.
Fernando Mendoza will change the Raiders’ future
At the start of last season, Fernando Mendoza’s name was not in the spotlight, nor was Indiana’s; all the attention was on Arch Manning, Drew Allar, and Cade Klubnik. However, it turned into a surprising NCAA season in every aspect, and Mendoza ended up winning the Heisman Trophy and establishing himself as the top quarterback prospect. Now, he is headed to the Raiders.
Joel Klatt, one of the most recognized voices in college football on FOX, stated that Mendoza will succeed, especially because of his personality: “What I loved about him is that when his best was needed, he was great. And that’s exactly what the Raiders are gonna need. Fernando Mendoza is him. I really love him as a player and I think he’s gonna succeed in the NFL.”
There is no debate about the kind of person Fernando Mendoza is, nor about the great teammate and leader he has proven to be. The quarterback led Indiana to an impressive 16-0 season, including playoff victories over Alabama, Oregon, and the University of Miami. Now, his goal is to continue developing and become a star in the NFL.
Although it is not official yet, it would be shocking if the Raiders did not select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the Draft. It is practically a done deal, but it will become official on the first night of the 2026 Draft, which will take place on April 23.
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