May 2, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) runs through a drill during a Rookie Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders selected reigning Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza first overall out of Indiana University in the 2026 NFL draft. Mendoza was the consensus number one overall pick heading into the draft, but one college football coach is raising concerns about whether his skill set will translate to the NFL.

“He’s a good decision-maker, but I don’t think he’s got the NFL traits,” an anonymous ACC coach told ESPN. “They’re all back-shoulder (throws). That’s not working in the NFL. His receivers made plays to make him look better than he is. In the NFL, those throws are getting picked off.”

The coach gameplanned against Mendoza when Mendoza was still the quarterback for the California Golden Bears, where he played before transferring to Indiana. There may be some credence to the criticisms, but the Raiders also added veteran Kirk Cousins this offseason, which could allow Mendoza to come around slowly and develop the skills that he is missing from his repertoire while learning behind Cousins on the depth chart.

May the best man win

For Cousins’ part, he thinks whoever the best quarterback on the roster is should be the starter, whether that’s Mendoza or himself.

“If that’s not me, I don’t want to be out there,” Cousins said Wednesday, per ESPN. “I don’t think that’s the best thing for the team. If I am the best option, then I believe it’s important that those guys are out there.

“… But I’m excited to get the chance to lead, help influence in the locker room, do my part and most importantly, help our team win.”

It’ll be fascinating to see how the Raiders, who are being advised by minority owner , approach Mendoza’s development.