Raiders' Fernando Mendoza has one main flaw amid QB competition with Kirk Cousins

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza got to try something new on Saturday. He took first-team reps, which is obviously very valuable practice for a rookie quarterback trying to make the leap from college football to the NFL.

Because of Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Maxx Crosby getting into a physical fight on Friday, the Raiders made Cousins and Crosby skip Saturday's practice. That gave Mendoza the ability to take those valuable first-team reps.

So, how did he do? It's certainly different throwing to guys like Brock Bowers and Tre Tucker than college players, so there's a learning curve.

Raiders' Fernando Mendoza has to brush up on one aspect of his game

Levi Edwards of the Raiders' official website reported that Mendoza "had his ebbs and flows" during Saturday's practice, "but showed his arm talent with touchdown passes to Bowers and No. 1 in red zone period."

However, there's one area for improvement that stands out: mobility.

"A noticeable factor with Mendoza under center is his mobility," Edwards said. "His pocket presence has made leaps and bounds since OTAs, as he works to evade pressure from the defensive line and keep his eyes downfield. His ability to avoid sacks resulted in a few positive plays on checkdowns."

After practice, however, Raiders quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan had glowing words for Mendoza, calling him a "very diligent, tireless worker."

"Everything that has been said, that's been portrayed about him as far as the type of young man he is, is true and then some," Sullivan added. "He's someone who really loves the process."

So, mobility is an issue, but that's the case for many experienced quarterbacks who aren't mobile, too. Mendoza will either improve on his mobility or become a quarterback known for being more of a pocket passer.