The Las Vegas Raiders have a few days to decide whether they’ll do what many expect them to do: Select former Indiana Hoosiers QB, Fernando Mendoza. With the Silver and Black lacking a franchise signal-caller, picking Mendoza makes total sense as it gives the team a long-term solution under center.
Nonetheless, if the Raiders need any more convincing that Mendoza is the right guy to be the face of their franchise, former Indiana running back Kaelon Black spoke about the quarterback and explained why he’s a special player.
“Man, well, the Raiders are getting the most talented quarterback that’s out there,” Black said during a April 17 appearance on “The Insiders.” “Fernando is very detailed, one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever been around.
“He’s just so humble and so hungry that he always wants better. You can ask anyone on our team, there’s no one more detailed than him. I feel like he was one of the main reasons why we were able to take that next step. Being on the team with Fernando was just a blessing.”
Mendoza was able to play a major role in uplifting the Hoosiers’ football program, which led to team success as they won a national title while the QB had an amazing season that led to a Heisman Trophy. Now, Mendoza will look to elevate the Silver and Black, a franchise that has lacked consistent winning.
If the Raiders do select Mendoza, he will be the face of the franchise, which is why the team will handle his development with kid gloves and won’t push him out onto the field until the signal-caller is ready.
Chad Johnson Gets Blunt About Raiders QB Situation
As a result, Las Vegas signed Cousins this offseason as a potential placeholder and veteran to show Mendoza the ropes. Despite the Raiders not yet making the decision, former NFL player Chad Johnson shared his thoughts on the looming Raiders situation.
“They’re going to pick Fernando Mendoza if you understand the game and understand that they are in need of a quarterback despite getting Kirk Cousins via trade, whatever it may have been,“ Johnson told Vegas Sports Today on April 16. “Obviously, Kirk Cousins is probably going to be the starter.
“I would think it would be smart for the development of Fernando Mendoza instead of just throwing him out there to the wolves. There are so many pieces that the Raiders need to be a competent team, especially offensively. Heck, even defensively, just getting the right pieces in order so he can have success.”
Las Vegas Urged to Have Fernando Mendoza Sit
Moreover, with so many of the great QBs needing to sit and learn from the sidelines, Johnson believes this is the best route for a young signal-caller, rather than putting him out on the field.
“I think it’s smart for him. Patrick Mahomes sat, Tom Brady sat, and I think the development of quarterbacks is one thing that is a lost gem when it comes to rookie quarterbacks,“ Johnson added.
“They just throw them out there: ‘Hey, you’re our savior.‘ And when you’re picked that early, it can do a lot to your psyche and your mental. When you put quarterbacks out there and you know you’re putting them in a situation that’s not to their advantage.”
Raiders Get Clear Fernando Mendoza Message Before NFL Draft