Fernando Mendoza is listed as QB2 in first Raiders' depth chart
nbcsports.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, Fernando Mendoza, is listed as the backup quarterback behind Kirk Cousins on the Raiders' initial depth chart.
- Aidan O’Connell, with 17 starts over three seasons, is the third-string quarterback, while undrafted rookie Jacob Clark is fourth.
- The Raiders plan to start the season with Cousins as the clear starter, opting not to create a quarterback competition with Mendoza early on.
- This approach contrasts with the modern trend of giving highly drafted quarterbacks early playing time to accelerate their development.
- The Raiders face a challenging AFC West division and will need to exceed expectations to be competitive, as their roster currently lacks top-tier talent on paper.
