In the NFL, veteran quarterbacks often play a role that extends beyond the field of play. Oftentimes, experienced QBs are asked to serve as mentors to young QBs coming into the league.
Having an experienced veteran to lean on can provide valuable insight and feedback into what it takes to thrive at the NFL level. From preparation and film study, to learning how to navigate the demands of the position, rookie QBs often rely on their mentors to help them adjust to life in professional football.
That is what the Las Vegas Raiders have in the works when it comes to their QB room.
Shortly after taking Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, the Raiders signed 14-year NFL veteran Kirk Cousins. Cousins has seen a little bit of everything in is NFL career, and gives Mendoza a mentor to who can show him the ropes. But instead, Cousins is taking a different kind of approach to his mentorship of Mendoza.
Kirk Cousins doesn't want to get in Fernando Mendoza's way
Following Las Vegas' preseason opener against Arizona on Thursday night, Cousins spoke with the media about his hands-off approach to mentoring Mendoza.
"I just let him be. I don't like to pull him aside and say 'hey come here for my wisdom.' He's a pretty smart, mature player and person. If anything, I don't want to get in his way."Kirk Cousins
That is some pretty strong praise, and not something that you see every day. But it doesn't come as a surprise to Indiana football fans. Mendoza owns an elite football IQ and all the needed intangibles that are required of being an NFL quarterback. He has an extreme attention to detail and is constantly preparing. He is also a team-first player who is always shifting the focus away from himself. And oh yeah, Mendoza also has pin-point accuracy, strong athleticism, and an NFL-ready frame at 6'5" 230 pounds.
As training camp moves on, it's clear that Cousins doesn't want to mess anything up. He will still serve as a mentor to Mendoza, but he isn't going to be overbearing. He knows Mendoza can handle himself, and will be there when needed. But other than that, Cousins knows Mendoza is up for the task of becoming Las Vegas' franchise quarterback.
Mendoza sits at No. 2 on Las Vegas' QB depth chart
As the NFL preseason continues on, the QB1 job for the Raiders currently belongs to Cousins. Head coach Klint Kubiak has already stated that the Week 1 starting job is Cousins' to lose, which doesn't come as a huge surprise. Earlier this offseason, Raiders GM Jon Spytek stated that he wasn't necessarily in favor of throwing a young QB into the fire right away. It appears that Kubiak shares that same sentiment.
But that doesn't mean that Mendoza isn't impressing.
In the spring, Kubiak gave plenty of praise to Mendoza, saying he has been "as advertised" and that his new QB is "no B.S." and "all ball." Those are traits that Hoosier football fans are familiar with, as they were on display all of last season when Mendoza was leading Indiana to a perfect 16-0 season and National Championship.
Mendoza got his first taste of NFL action on Thursday night, and looked the part of a future franchise QB. Leading the Las Vegas offense for four drives, Mendoza completed 10 of his 16 passing attempts for 97 yards and a touchdown with zero interceptions. He made some eye-popping throws along the way, and extended plays with his legs when needed. It's just one preseason game, but it's hard not to get excited about the skill set and poise that Mendoza displayed.
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