ESPN analyst sees a rough rookie path for Fernando Mendoza

But not everyone is buying what the Raiders could be building around their possible rookie quarterback. During an appearance on Tuesday on "SVP SportsCenter," ESPN NFL analyst Kevin Clark made it noticeably clear that he has concerns about Mendoza joining the Raiders.

Clark made it clear that he is not worried about Mendoza’s ability on the field, but the environment surrounding him. There has been a pattern of excellent college quarterbacks getting stuck with NFL teams that do not have the right coaching staff or proper infrastructure to use these quarterbacks to their maximum potential.

"This is a team without a lot of talent there. Nobody got stuffed at the line more in the run game last year. No offensive line gave up more sacks," Clark said.

Fernando Mendoza could face a harsh reality on Raiders

For a team with little offensive talent around it, the idea of playing for the Raiders would not be appealing to any rookie quarterback, let alone the overall first pick in the draft. The Raiders struggled to protect Geno Smith and their other backup quarterbacks throughout the 2025 season, and not much has changed since the regular season ended.

The hope among Raiders fans is that drafting Mendoza will solve a problem they have had for quite some time: identifying a franchise quarterback. But Clark’s points about the Raiders offensive line struggling in both pass protection and blocking the run are concerning. Mendoza could eventually step into one of the worst situations currently in the NFL.

Can Raiders improve their roster?

On a positive note, the Raiders do have sizable cap space and some draft capital that will ultimately help them improve the roster. While there is still time to identify new offensive weapons and add supporting pieces, Las Vegas would need to show Mendoza that it can plan to protect him like an investment. 

Whether Mendoza flourishes or struggles in Las Vegas will not hinge solely on his arm strength or playmaking ability. Instead, it will depend on who the Raiders add in free agency and in the later rounds of the draft to properly support him.