The Las Vegas Raiders pinned their hopes on first-round pick Fernando Mendoza to help revive the franchise. But despite the lofty expectations, the rookie could spend his debut season on the sidelines.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero recently appeared on The Rich Eisen Show to discuss the Raiders. When asked about Mendoza's fate, the insider revealed that he believes HC Klint Kubiak will stick to his plan and have the rookie sit out this season.

"I would say this, not much shocks me in this league," Pelissero said. "I would be very surprised if Fernando Mendoza starts out the gate. Klint Kubiak said this way back in the spring that he believes in allowing a young quarterback to sit."

During his conversation with Rich Eisen on July 18, Pelissero explained why the transition from Indiana's offense to the Raiders' system will be difficult for Mendoza.

He explained that Indiana's RPO(Run-pass-option) heavy scheme often created clean throwing lanes. But in the NFL, defenses are faster, disguise coverages better, and passing windows close much quicker.

Pelissero further revealed that Cousins would not only start the season but also would ideally finish it as the Raiders' starting quarterback this season.

"Again, stranger things have happened here, but from everything I understand - the conviction, the way they are built right now - is that Kirk Cousins is going to be the starter at the beginning of the season and entirely possible at the end of the season as well,” said Pelissero.

Although the Raiders see Mendoza as their future, they'd rather not rush his development. In Indiana, he completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

His production in college football is enough for the Raiders to believe in him, but the head coach thinks he should spend this season observing.

Amidst this QB battle, retired NFL legend and Raiders minority owner Tom Brady has a message for the rookie.

Tom Brady weighs in on Fernando Mendoza amid growing hype

While the fans are eager to witness Fernando Mendoza under center, the Raiders are taking a long-term view.

While speaking to Liz Claman on FOX Business' The Claman Countdown show, Brady expressed that the rookie must earn the starting job instead of having it handed to him.

"Like everyone at their age, none of these young players, rookies, have ever had a meaningful snap in the NFL," Brady explained, per FOX Sports. "Their career and journey will be determined by the work they put in, by adversities that they overcome, by the kind of teammate, team player they are."

The Raiders' co-owner insists this season will be monumental for the young QB, as he'll have the opportunity to learn from the best.

What he does with those lessons, however, will determine whether he becomes the QB or remains a backup.

Given that, what is your opinion on Fernando Mendoza?

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit