The Raiders hold the No. 1 pick—and the future of their franchise may depend on it.
But a new report just revealed a flaw in the quarterback everyone expects them to draft.

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Raiders’ Plan for Fernando Mendoza Faces New Questions as Major Weakness Emerges

The Las Vegas Raiders are standing at a franchise-defining crossroads.

Holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the expectation across the league is clear: Fernando Mendoza will likely be the selection.

The Indiana Hoosiers star quarterback has been one of the most celebrated prospects in recent years. A Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, Mendoza’s rise has made him the centerpiece of draft conversations for months.

But just as excitement builds around the Raiders potentially landing their next franchise quarterback, a new scouting report has revealed a flaw that could complicate the plan.

And it’s forcing head coach Klint Kubiak to rethink how he builds the team around him.

Kubiak Preparing the Ground for a Rookie QB

Klint Kubiak enters his first season as Raiders head coach after helping the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl as offensive coordinator.

Now in Las Vegas, his mission is clear: construct the right environment for a rookie quarterback to succeed.

One of the first steps could be adding more explosive weapons.

According to reports, the Raiders are eyeing wide receiver Rashid Shaheed in free agency. Kubiak has worked with Shaheed previously during their time with both the New Orleans Saints and the Seattle Seahawks, making the connection a natural one.

Shaheed is coming off a productive season where he recorded:

• 59 receptions
• 687 receiving yards
• 2 receiving touchdowns

But his value goes far beyond catching passes.

Shaheed also proved to be one of the NFL’s most dangerous special teams weapons, adding:

• 339 punt return yards and a touchdown
• 447 kick return yards and another touchdown

That type of versatility could be incredibly valuable for a rookie quarterback adjusting to the speed of the NFL.

And the Raiders have the financial power to make the move.

After trading star defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas now has over $120 million in cap space, giving them flexibility to reshape the roster.

Shaheed is expected to command somewhere between $14 million and $18 million per year, a price the Raiders could comfortably afford.

The Hidden Concern in Mendoza’s Game

But while Kubiak works to surround Mendoza with talent, a deeper scouting report has uncovered a concern that could create problems early in his NFL career.

According to analysis from The Athletic, Mendoza’s biggest weakness isn’t accuracy or decision-making—it’s his ability to sense pressure behind him.

Scouts say the quarterback sometimes holds onto the ball too long, failing to recognize defenders approaching from the backside.

That hesitation can lead to sacks or negative plays, even when receivers are open downfield.

The report describes this as a “negative play rate” issue—something that historically can be difficult for quarterbacks to fully fix once they reach the NFL.

For a rookie stepping into a league filled with elite pass rushers, that flaw could become a serious challenge.

Why Mendoza Is Still the Top Prospect

Despite the concerns, Mendoza remains widely viewed as the best quarterback in the 2026 draft class.

His strengths are undeniable.

He’s known for:

• Elite deep-ball accuracy
• Excellent footwork
• Strong timing and mechanics
• Careful decision-making

His college career was also boosted by playing on a powerhouse Indiana team that featured one of the nation’s top defenses.

That success helped propel the Hoosiers to a national championship and elevated Mendoza’s reputation as a franchise quarterback prospect.

Still, the transition to the NFL will be a completely different challenge.

Unlike college, Mendoza may frequently find himself trailing in games or facing relentless pressure from professional defenses.

Raiders’ Future Could Depend on the Details

For Klint Kubiak and the Raiders, the plan is becoming clearer.

Draft Mendoza.
Build the offense around him.
Add playmakers like Rashid Shaheed.
Strengthen the offensive line.

Because if Mendoza’s biggest weakness is failing to sense pressure, the Raiders will need to make sure that pressure never arrives in the first place.

And with the No. 1 pick looming, every decision they make this offseason could determine whether their franchise enters a new golden era—or another rebuilding cycle.