​FOXBOROUGH, MA – OCTOBER 11: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 11, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.(Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 20: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders talks with head coach Klint Kubiak on the way to the locker room after a preseason game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on August 20, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 01: Former Houston Texans player J.J. Watt speaks during a ceremony inducting him into the Texans Ring of Honor during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) GettyLas Vegas Raiders No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza hasn’t seen much playing time this season, and while a lot of players might take offense to this or use it as an opportunity to slack off, that’s not the case for Mendoza.He’s been seen wearing his helmet on the sidelines during games, taking in everything that’s being relayed to Kirk Cousins from head coach Klint Kubiak while also keeping a positive attitude on the sideline.There are no complaints from his end about not starting yet; rather, just thankful for the opportunity to be alongside his teammates.Mendoza did see a little bit of game action towards the end of the loss against the New England Patriots and had some comments after his ‘mini’ debut performance.“It wasn’t a great experience because of the overall outcome. I wanted to do my part, any way I can help the team. I was called upon and I appreciate all of my teammates, especially some of the starters going out there and having that fighting effort,” Mendoza said after the game. “Entering in what you would call your NFL debut, it’s a good experience. Every rookie has it at some point. It was just that time.”Klint Kubiak’s Sends Praise Towards Fernando MendozaGettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 20: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders talks with head coach Klint Kubiak on the way to the locker room after a preseason game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on August 20, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
While his time as a starter hasn’t come yet, Klint Kubiak had a positive statement on Fernando Mendoza before Week 7’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, saying he’s very pleased with how he’s not only developing, but doing more than what the Raiders are asking of him.“It’s as simple as me walking down the hall here to go get in the steam room when everybody’s gone, and he’s out here on the field by himself. He’s not the only guy who’s doing that, but he’s putting in the extra time.”Even Kubiak’s comments on Mendoza coming in during the Patriots game are very telling of who the Raiders have in their No. 1 overall pick.“He was prepared. He played fa