Fernando Mendoza is already living up to the billing. The Las Vegas Raiders No. 1 overall pick has been everything coach Klint Kubiak hoped for early in training camp, with Kubiak telling reporters Mendoza has not disappointed one bit.
Kubiak described the rookie quarterback as focused, coachable and serious about his craft, saying Mendoza asks smart questions, fixes mistakes quickly and attacks every new challenge put in front of him.
The Raiders are still easing Mendoza into the offense. Kirk Cousins holds first-team reps right now, followed by Aidan O’Connell, with Mendoza working behind them. Kubiak has been upfront that he prefers rookies not start Week 1, and sportsbooks currently favor Cousins to open the season under center.
Still, the Raiders are giving their franchise quarterback every opportunity to earn the starting job, and Mendoza is clearly treating each rep like his career depends on it.
The race for QB1 in Las Vegas is far from over.
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