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Rookie minicamps are taking place across the NFL this month. Every NFL rookie faces a steep learning curve – even for the likes of No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was the consensus top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza’s accuracy, ability to process, IQ and leadership skills are some of the key traits that led him to the Las Vegas Raiders at the top of the draft.
However, there’s a major adjustment Mendoza must undertake in the NFL – playing under center.
In three college seasons, two at Cal and one at Indiana, Mendoza took just five snaps under center. Mendoza’s snaps under center are expected to dramatically increase at the next level.
New Raiders coach Klint Kubiak’s West Coast offensive scheme features a lot of play-action and under-center snaps. When Kubiak was the offensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks last season, they played under center at one of the highest rates in the NFL.
The good news is, Mendoza is already getting a jump on the fundamentals.
“Everybody really wants to work, and it's a great feeling. I mean, the other quarterbacks are really in tune, but I need more work under center, and it's great when we can be in the hotel getting 25 to 50 snaps,” Mendoza said to reporters at Raiders rookie minicamp. “I still have a long way to go, but those centers are phenomenal, consistent snaps, and the offensive line did a great job.”
Mendoza explained that Raiders coaches have helped him along during the early stages of the offseason.
“I believe it's the added footwork. Instead of being back there in shotgun, you really have to get back to make sure you get depth so you can best serve your offensive linemen, still be on time, still decipher the defense. And with that, it's really having an emphasis on those first two steps, on securing the snap and getting out of there, and powerful with having quick feet,” Mendoza explained. “That's something that Coach [Mike] Sullivan and Coach [Andrew] Janocko and Coach [Klint] Kubiak have talked to me about."
Mendoza added that he’s watched film of teammate Kirk Cousins, who was in Minnesota when Kubiak was the Vikings' QB coach and offensive coordinator, and of Sam Darnold from last season in Seattle.
Mendoza’s ability to learn how to play under center will help determine when the No. 1 overall pick will top the depth chart. The Raiders signed Cousins as a bridge quarterback to aid Mendoza with his transition to the NFL. If Mendoza is a quick study, he’ll earn the QB1 job sooner rather than later.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza: 'I need more work under center'
