The Las Vegas Raiders are getting a close look at a lot of players during rookie minicamp. Many of the players are there on a tryout basis, but some have already done enough to earn a spot on the roster.
One player who must’ve impressed is former Indiana wide receiver Jonathan Brady. The Raiders drafted Fernando Mendoza, who was their quarterback last season. They also signed former Indiana running back Roman Hemby and wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr.
Brady could only get to rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, but it didn’t take him long to earn the team’s trust. KMM Sports announced that Brady has signed a contract with the Raiders.
Notably, Brady also played with Mendoza at California in 2024, so he knows the quarterback very well. He’s mostly a return specialist, but has combined for 50 catches for 501 yards in two seasons with Mendoza.
Brady was named Second-Team All-Big Ten as a return specialist and had a punt return for a touchdown last season. He could have a chance to make some plays as a wide receiver due to his experience with Mendoza, but his best chance at making the team will be as a returner. Also, he grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, and played at Bishop Gorman High School. The Raiders only drafted one Indiana player from the 2025 team, but four could end up being on the roster in some capacity when the season starts.
Raiders WR Room Is Very Young
The Raiders have decided to embrace having a very young wide receiver so far. The only player over 27 in the room is veteran journeyman Phillip Dorsett. That could always change through the course of the offseason, but for now, the Raiders prefer youth.
It makes sense considering they’re still in rebuilding mode. Not every need is going to be solved in one offseason. If these young players don’t step up this year, the Raiders will likely use an early draft pick to find a wide receiver next year.
John Spytek Talks Mendoza
The Raiders likely intentionally brought in a few of Mendoza’s former teammates to help him feel comfortable with the transition to the NFL. Brady was one of the only players to follow Mendzoa from California, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if the two are really close.
Mendoza is already a star due to his Heisman Trophy and status as a No. 1 pick. What impressed general manager John Spytek was how the quarterback carries himself, despite being such a big star at a young age.
“It wasn’t lost on him that he was probably the media star of the show, but I know that’s not what it was about for him,” Spytek said on “Up & Adams.” “He wanted to show out and show well, and that’s important because he’s a prideful and competitive kid, but it was very genuine. You get around him and you see the authenticity, the way that he operates around people. It was genuine for him to be there around his teammates and help them have great pro days, too, because there’s a lot on the line for them.”
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