​One of the biggest questions looming over the Las Vegas Raiders as training camp nears is how the quarterback situation will unfold. Will head coach Klint Kubiak opt to ride with the veteran Kirk Cousins, or will he hand the keys to the offense to the team’s No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza? If the Raiders decide to go with Cousins, Mendoza could spend time on the sideline soaking up the pro game and gradually being introduced to life in the NFL rather than being plunged into the fire. The decision will come soon, and former Raiders running back Marcus Allen has weighed in with his perspective on what the organization should do with their young signal-caller.
During a July 10 appearance on NFL Network, Allen said, “I don’t have any idea what their plan is. I’ve heard that he may sit and watch, and I’ve also heard that he’s doing well and there’s a chance he may play. We’ll have to find out. Personally, I don’t mind younger players sitting, watching and learning.” Mendoza had a productive college season at Indiana, logging 724 total snaps and earning an 87.9 overall PFF grade. He threw for 2,758 yards and 32 touchdowns against just five interceptions, while also recording 16 big-time throws and nine turnover-worthy plays. On the ground, Mendoza chipped in 200 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Regardless of how the Raiders decide to proceed with Mendoza, Allen expressed support for the direction chosen by general manager John Spytek and head coach Klint Kubiak. He noted that the pressure and high expectations that come with being the No. 1 pick—and the sizable salaries that come with it—often lead teams to throw a young quarterback into action before he’s truly ready or before the supporting cast around him is in place to facilitate success. “It all depends on management and what they want to do; I have faith in [Spytek]. I think he’s going to do a great job,” Allen said, underscoring the importance of a thoughtful, well-considered plan rather than forcing Mendoza into a role he’s not prepared to fill.
Beyond the on-field mechanics, Mendoza will also need to win the respect and trust of veterans who will be looking to him for leadership. Transitioning from encouraging teammates who are his age to guiding older players closer to their 30s and 40s presents a real challenge, and that hurdle won’t be easy to clear. The veteran presence in the Raiders’ locker room will be a factor in how swiftly Mendoza can establish himself as a leader.
Meanwhile, Maxx Crosby has offered straightforward, practical advice to Mendoza as he enters his first NFL season. Speaking on the July 7 edition of The Rush With Maxx Crosby, Crosby emphasized the importance of authenticity. “If you’re not genuine, guys pick up on that real quick because college is different. You’re growing as a man; you’re trying to figure out who you are and evolve as a leader, and you’re still going to school. You’re just trying to figure out life and how to operate. But once you get to the league, everyone’s a grown man. Dudes have full families. They have different types of motivations, and everyone’s coming from a different walk of life.” Crosby’s words underscore a broader reality: leadership in the NFL isn’t just about talent; it’s about maturity, consistency, and the ability to connect with a diverse group of teammates who bring a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to the table.
As the Raiders navigate this decision, all eyes will be on how the organization balances development with immediate needs. The choice will shape Mendoza’s path—whether he grows into a franchise quarterback through a gradual acclimation process or takes the reins sooner and faces the inevitable growing pains that accompany a high-stakes transition. Either way, the team’s approach to mentoring Mendoza, supporting him with the right personnel around him, and cultivating a culture of authentic leadership will be critical to unlocking his long-term potential and determining the Raiders’ trajectory for the coming seasons.