Yardbarker
x
Former NFL QB doesn't see 'immediate success' for Fernando Mendoza
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Why Tim Hasselbeck doesn't see 'immediate success' for likely No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza

By Colby Colwell  |  Last updated Apr 2, 2026 9:50 PM ET

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza is likely on his way to being selected No. 1 overall in the upcoming draft (April 23-25) after capping his Heisman Trophy campaign by leading Indiana to its first national title.

Although Mendoza should be the first name off the board, success is usually not an immediate certainty for rookie QBs. With that past history in mind, the Las Vegas Raiders — who own the No. 1 pick — decided to bring in veteran Kirk Cousins as someone who can serve as a mentor for Mendoza as he gets used to the NFL.

Despite all the hype surrounding him, it is important to keep in mind the position the Raiders are currently in and the talented QBs in the AFC West. That is something former QB and current ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck mentioned as his reasons for why Mendoza's collegiate success may not immediately translate to the NFL.

Tim Hasselbeck sees some 'growing pains' for Fernando Mendoza 

"(This is) probably the toughest gauntlet of quarterbacks in any division that somebody would have to come in and face," Hasselbeck said on Thursday's edition of "Get Up." "When you're talking about Bo Nix, been a playoff quarterback each and every year, there's Patrick Mahomes and then obviously dealing with the Chargers.

"... I don't think it's immediate success. I do think they'll be growing pains like there usually is for quarterbacks, but I do think with everything that is happening there in terms of head coach, quarterback, investing in a center and what the future could look like, yeah, I do think he should be an excellent pro."

When you consider the talent at QB within the division and how far off the Raiders were last season, this is not a favorable position for anyone to be in, let alone a rookie.

Las Vegas allowed the 25th-most points per game (25.4 PPG) and were last in scoring offense (14.2 PPG), which speaks to how tall of a task is ahead for Mendoza, who took his fair share of hits in college.

As Klint Kubiak heads into his first season as Raiders head coach, it was clear that he and minority owner Tom Brady preferred having a veteran alongside Mendoza as he gets up to speed. With Cousins — who was recently with the Atlanta Falcons and was coached by Kubiak when he was with the Minnesota Vikings — this could be a win for Mendoza.

After all, Cousins threw for 4,221 yards, 33 TDs and seven interceptions with Kubiak as his offensive coordinator in 2021. In a division that is already stacked with talented QBs, that could benefit Mendoza in the long run as he gets familiar with the system and learns from an established QB like Cousins.

Mendoza led the FBS in TD passes (41) last season, but that does not mean he will take the world by storm in "Sin City." Not only has the transition to the NFL proved to be a challenge for even the best QBs through the years, but the Raiders are not exactly built for success right now.

That does not mean that this won't eventually work out for Mendoza in the end. If anything, a backup role to Cousins would give him a chance to learn on the sidelines and gain some additional confidence, something that could prove extremely valuable as the Raiders look to put more pieces together around him.

Colby Colwell
LinkedIn

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!