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Raiders Draft Heisman QB Mendoza; Brady decries rookie starts

7/14/2026

26 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza led the university to an undefeated season and a Heisman Trophy.
Eagles coach Doug Pederson urged the Raiders to start Mendoza in Week 1 and signed Kirk Cousins to start the season.
Owner Tom Brady called rookie starts a “tragedy” and noted 11 rookie quarterbacks have started since 2020, all with pains.

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Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza led the university to an undefeated season and a Heisman Trophy.
Eagles coach Doug Pederson urged the Raiders to start Mendoza in Week 1 and signed Kirk Cousins to start the season.
Owner Tom Brady called rookie starts a “tragedy” and noted 11 rookie quarterbacks have started since 2020, all with pains.