The Las Vegas Raiders appear to be preparing to make Fernando Mendoza the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. According to reports, Mendoza is already learning the offense from coach Brian Griese, who overlapped with Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak on the 49ers in 2023.

However, Mendoza is not expected to be the Raiders' Week 1 starter. The team would prefer to find a bridge quarterback who can hold down the starting job until they determine the Heisman winner is ready for the job, no matter how long it takes.

Saad Yousuf of The Athletic suggested that the Raiders could sign free agent Kirk Cousins. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback is looking for an opportunity to play after being limited to eight starts in 2025. That opportunity could come in Las Vegas, where he would be an ideal veteran mentor for the rookie quarterback.

Cousins, with 14 seasons of NFL experience, spent the first three years of his career primarily as a backup, only starting nine games to that point. Although Mendoza's career surely won't start the same way, he can learn a lot from Cousins early on.

Cousins' arrival at the Raiders could be beneficial for both parties. He would have the opportunity to play, even without a guarantee of continuity, and the team would secure an experienced veteran who is not afraid to work hard to train their young franchise quarterback.

This strategy would allow Mendoza to develop under the guidance of an experienced player, while Cousins has the opportunity to prove himself on the field.

Planning for the 2026 NFL Draft is crucial for the Raiders. The decision to sign a bridge quarterback like Cousins reflects a long-term strategy, focused on Mendoza's development.

This approach demonstrates the importance of patience and planning in building a competitive team in the NFL.

Kirk Cousins' vast experience in the NFL, including his Pro Bowl appearances, makes him an invaluable mentor for Mendoza. His ability to handle pressure and his knowledge of the game are aspects that can accelerate the young quarterback's development.

The combination of Cousins' experience and Mendoza's potential could be key to the Raiders' future success.