Story perspectives

2026 No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza Impresses Raiders Rookie Minicamp

5/5/2026

Summary

Mendoza Joins Raiders

Fernando Mendoza, the 2026 No. 1 overall pick, jogged onto the field at the Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie minicamp.
Fans on X likened Mendoza’s mechanics to Tom Brady, the Raiders’ minority-owner and seven-time Super Bowl champion.
The Raiders posted videos showing Mendoza’s jog and a subsequent throw.
Host Mitchell Renz analyzed Mendoza’s performance and highlighted undrafted free agents Treydan Stukes, Keyron Crawford and Jermod McCoy as potential roster contributors.

Summary

Mendoza Sparks Chemistry

Off-field interactions, like playbook sessions and tub time, have built rookie chemistry that could affect locker-room dynamics before OTAs.
Multiple rookies called quarterback Mendoza a natural leader, with Trey Zuhn III describing him as “a guy’s guy” and “great leader.”
Safety Treydan Stukes labeled Mendoza “super funny,” noting his enthusiasm during drills.
Defensive end Keyron Crawford said his agent called Mendoza first after the draft, highlighting his reputation among peers.

Summary

Mendoza Faces Competition

Mendoza arrived at rookie minicamp with only five under-center snaps, yet drills put him at quarterback.
He held a hotel session where rookie linemen delivered live snaps for his practice.
Mendoza said he was at the bottom of the totem pole despite a tens-of-millions contract.
Analysts warned his steep learning curve could let veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins keep the starting job, with the depth chart to solidify in the preseason.

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Mendoza Joins Raiders

Fernando Mendoza, the 2026 No. 1 overall pick, jogged onto the field at the Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie minicamp.
Fans on X likened Mendoza’s mechanics to Tom Brady, the Raiders’ minority-owner and seven-time Super Bowl champion.
The Raiders posted videos showing Mendoza’s jog and a subsequent throw.
Host Mitchell Renz analyzed Mendoza’s performance and highlighted undrafted free agents Treydan Stukes, Keyron Crawford and Jermod McCoy as potential roster contributors.

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