The Indiana Hoosiers took the NFL Draft by storm last week, as IU set a program record by having eight players drafted.
Indiana's talented draft class is headlined by Heisman Trophy-winning QB Fernando Mendoza, who was the overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick. The draft yielded no surprises in regard to Mendoza's landing spot, as he was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the top overall selection on Thursday night.
Mendoza heads to a rebuilding Las Vegas franchise that has made the playoffs just twice since going to Super Bowl XXXVII 24 years ago in 2002. He figures to be given every opportunity to be the Week 1 starter, and after Las Vegas made a flurry of free agent signings leading up to the draft, the Raiders have had quite a productive offseason heading into Year 1 of the Klint Kubiak era.
5-time Pro Bowl DE Maxx Crosby has been the face of the Raiders franchise for the past several seasons, and it's clear that he is excited to have Mendoza on board.
Maxx Crosby is fired up to have Fernando Mendoza in Las Vegas
On the latest episode ofThe Rush With Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas' star rusher talked about the draft haul that GM John Spytek brought in. Crosby spent ample time discussing Mendoza, and how fired up he is to have him in Las Vegas.
"We got Fernando. I think it was one of the worst-kept secrets in sports. I don't think it was by surprise, but I know everybody's fired up that he's a part of our team now. I had the chance to have a great conversation with him when he came on his visit. I got to chop it up with him a little bit, and then draft night, got to get on FaceTime and talk to him. And we've been texting back and forth ever since then. So, I'm really fired up for him. Excited to take him under my wing and help him out, show him the way. Just encourage him to be himself and lead in his own way. So, (I'm) fired up for him and his family. I know this is a big moment (for them)."Maxx Crosby
With Crosby leading the way, the Las Vegas defense got a face lift earlier this offseason with the free agent signings of LB Quay Walker, LB Nakobe Dean, DE Kwity Paye, CB Eric Stokes, and DE Malcolm Koonce. Las Vegas also traded for CB Taron Johnson. That group figures to help bring a more complimentary approach to the Raiders in Mendoza's first season.
Additions on the offensive side of the ball include C Tyler Linderbaum, WR Jalen Naylor, and 14-year NFL QB Kirk Cousins. Linderbaum is one of the best centers in the NFL, and Naylor is an under-the-radar receiver who could be on breakout watch. Cousins figures to serve as a mentor for Mendoza as he begins his NFL career, and figures to push the rookie for the starting job in camp.
Overall, it seems that Crosby is excited for Las Vegas' draft class, and is particularly eager to see what Mendoza can do. Crosby is among the best players in the league, so whatever advice or coaching he can provide Mendoza has a chance to help the Heisman-winner succeed early on.
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