Raiders OC Andrew Janocko expands on recent Fernando Mendoza report amid Kirk Cousins questions

A recent report revealed that rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza "has wowed" the Las Vegas Raiders' coaching staff "at every turn" since the Raiders made Mendoza the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Per numerous reports, Mendoza remains on track to open the season serving as a backup for veteran and free-agency signing Kirk Cousins. While speaking with reporters on Thursday, first-year Raiders offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko detailed what he has seen from Mendoza during springtime workouts. 

Fernando Mendoza has good examples of how to be a pro

'I think he’s a guy that wants to come in and grind every day, work," Janocko said about Mendoza, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "All three of those guys [Mendoza, Cousins, QB3 Aidan O’Connell] come in every single day, and they want to work, they want to learn, they want to be the best in the world. He’s got two guys in the room with him that just set an unbelievable example with the way they work, the way they prepare. So he’s able to see that and grow within himself."

The Raiders allegedly did not sign Cousins earlier this offseason "just to hold a clipboard for 17 weeks," and it is widely believed that he will get the nod for Vegas' Week 1 home game versus the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13. That said, Mendoza developing ahead of schedule could make it easier for first-year head coach Klint Kubiak to make a switch at quarterback earlier than first planned if the Raiders have a losing record in October. 

Raiders like that Fernando Mendoza is asking the right questions

"I think that’s something we ask from all quarterbacks — is just to know the whys behind every play," Janocko added about Mendoza during his comments. "Know the what, know the whys, and be ready to go above and beyond the Xs and Os at times to make things right. And to know where guys are at and where they’re supposed to be at, so that you can help guys, knowing not [just] your job, but the other 10 jobs as well."

Kubiak recently hinted his final depth chart will "reveal itself...in training camp." It sounds like Mendoza could receive a legitimate chance to compete for the QB1 job through at least the Raiders' first preseason game in August.