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Top Pick Mendoza Tries Under-Center, Cousins Likely Retains Start

5/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mendoza, the first-overall pick, took under-center snaps in rookie minicamp after only five such attempts in three college seasons at California and Indiana.
After practice, Mendoza said he still has a long way to go adapting to the NFL’s under-center style.
Coaches say his steep learning curve could let veteran Kirk Cousins keep the starting job, with the quarterback battle to be clarified in training camp.

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Story summary

Mendoza, the first-overall pick, took under-center snaps in rookie minicamp after only five such attempts in three college seasons at California and Indiana.
After practice, Mendoza said he still has a long way to go adapting to the NFL’s under-center style.
Coaches say his steep learning curve could let veteran Kirk Cousins keep the starting job, with the quarterback battle to be clarified in training camp.