ClutchPoints
With the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders found the future of their franchise in quarterback Fernando Mendoza. However, Mendoza won’t be able to lead the Raiders back to playoff contention on his own.
Las Vegas will need everyone on the roster to be successful, including punter AJ Cole. Early on into his time teaming up with Mendoza, Cole has offered some advice to the rookie quarterback, via Ryan McFadden of ESPN.
“He doesn’t need to put the fate of the universe on his shoulders,” Cole said. “We don’t need him to be Superman. We just need him to be Fernando.”
“I keep telling people [he] is whatever you think he’s like, that’s exactly what he’s like,” he continued. “It’s not a bit. It’s not an act.”
Based on the Raiders’ recent quarterback history, fans may be hoping for a Superman at the position. Before Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett saw starts in 2025, Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder all spent time under center in 2024. O’Connell was joined by Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer in 2023. With all their quarterback problems, the Raiders haven’t made the playoffs since 2021 and haven’t advanced past the Wild Card Round since 2020.
All of Las Vegas’ eggs are now in Mendoza’s basket. They feel confident in that decision after watching him win the Heisman Trophy. The quarterback led Indiana to a national championship by throwing for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions.
With Kirk Cousins on the roster, Mendoza may not be the Week 1 starter. But when he is thrown into the fire, Cole doesn’t want him to change anything about his game.
The post Raiders All-Pro issues ‘Superman’ advice to Fernando Mendoza appeared first on ClutchPoints.
