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The NFL has completed the draft, and teams have already begun rookie minicamps. The 2026 draft class faced a quick turnaround and is now getting to work in May.
The Las Vegas Raiders opened their rookie camp this week, and No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza wasted no time getting started. He’s already facing his first major quarterback challenge at the professional level.
Reports indicate that Mendoza is adjusting to taking snaps from under center again. While he has done it before, his college career rarely required it.
MORE: 5 expiring NFL player contracts to watch for ahead of training camps
During the 2025 season at Indiana, Mendoza took just 3% of his snaps from under center and operated almost exclusively out of the shotgun.
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
This trend isn’t unusual. Many high school and college offenses rely heavily on the shotgun. However, head coach Klint Kubiak runs a more balanced system.
In 2025, Kubiak’s Seattle Seahawks offense took most of its snaps from under center. The Raiders will likely follow a similar approach in 2026.
That said, Kubiak may tailor the offense early on to support Mendoza’s development. If any quarterback can make this transition smoothly, it’s Mendoza.
MORE: Carolina Panthers looking to trade fan-favorite wide receiver
Mendoza has built a reputation as a highly coachable quarterback. He has adapted to multiple offensive systems throughout his college career. At Indiana, he gained experience with a variety of passing concepts commonly used in the NFL.
Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (center) poses with jersey with general manager John Spytek (left) and head coach Klint Kubiak at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center after being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
He should be able to learn Kubiak’s system. The bigger question is when he will take the field and demonstrate his progress as a rookie.
Kubiak has made it clear that the best quarterback coming out of training camp and the preseason will earn the starting job. Whether that’s Mendoza or veteran Kirk Cousins remains to be seen.
In today’s NFL, quarterbacks must be able to operate from under center. Mendoza’s draft status also suggests he will play sooner rather than later.
Teams will begin mandatory minicamps in late May and early June, giving Mendoza ample time to adjust to Kubiak’s offensive system—both under center and within the playbook.
Continue reading...
The Las Vegas Raiders opened their rookie camp this week, and No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza wasted no time getting started. He’s already facing his first major quarterback challenge at the professional level.
Reports indicate that Mendoza is adjusting to taking snaps from under center again. While he has done it before, his college career rarely required it.
MORE: 5 expiring NFL player contracts to watch for ahead of training camps
During the 2025 season at Indiana, Mendoza took just 3% of his snaps from under center and operated almost exclusively out of the shotgun.
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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
This trend isn’t unusual. Many high school and college offenses rely heavily on the shotgun. However, head coach Klint Kubiak runs a more balanced system.
In 2025, Kubiak’s Seattle Seahawks offense took most of its snaps from under center. The Raiders will likely follow a similar approach in 2026.
That said, Kubiak may tailor the offense early on to support Mendoza’s development. If any quarterback can make this transition smoothly, it’s Mendoza.
MORE: Carolina Panthers looking to trade fan-favorite wide receiver
Mendoza has built a reputation as a highly coachable quarterback. He has adapted to multiple offensive systems throughout his college career. At Indiana, he gained experience with a variety of passing concepts commonly used in the NFL.
You must be registered for see images attach
Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (center) poses with jersey with general manager John Spytek (left) and head coach Klint Kubiak at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center after being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
He should be able to learn Kubiak’s system. The bigger question is when he will take the field and demonstrate his progress as a rookie.
Kubiak has made it clear that the best quarterback coming out of training camp and the preseason will earn the starting job. Whether that’s Mendoza or veteran Kirk Cousins remains to be seen.
In today’s NFL, quarterbacks must be able to operate from under center. Mendoza’s draft status also suggests he will play sooner rather than later.
Teams will begin mandatory minicamps in late May and early June, giving Mendoza ample time to adjust to Kubiak’s offensive system—both under center and within the playbook.
Continue reading...
