Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is expected to start his career as a backup to Kirk Cousins, and had a crucial opportunity to play during the Raiders’ preseason finale against the 49ers. His performance was lackluster, completing 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards, with one interception and a passer rating of 31.0, showcasing his struggles to adapt to NFL game speed. Mendoza’s reliance on checkdown passes and issues with timing highlighted his inexperience, reinforcing the decision to have Cousins as a veteran presence. Overall, Mendoza’s outing earned him a grade of C- as he continues to develop before potentially challenging for the starting role.
