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Raiders Reality Slaps Klint Kubiak as Fernando Mendoza Plan Runs Into Serious Trouble

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Raiders Reality Slaps Klint Kubiak as Fernando Mendoza Plan Runs Into Serious Trouble
Fernando Mendoza and Klint Kubiak (Photo By Imagn Images)

The Las Vegas Raiders own the NFL’s most coveted asset heading into April’s draft, but their new head coach just threw cold water on what seemed like a done deal. Klint Kubiak sat down for an interview that dropped on Tuesday, and his words about Fernando Mendoza didn’t exactly scream commitment.

“Really talented guy with a bright future, and we’ll see where he ends up, but we got a lot of work to do to get to know him before that time,” Kubiak said in the clip posted by Dov Kleiman on X.

That lukewarm assessment landed like a fumble on fourth down, and Raiders fans didn’t hold back.

One fan saw it coming. “I keep saying, Mendoza is not a guaranteed pick for the Raiders.”

Another’s already game-planning the alternative. “We tradin that pick!”

This user doesn’t want Mendoza anywhere near Vegas. “Would be a grave mistake to draft him.”

One fan laid out the long-term strategy. “Personally I’d trade out. It’s never a guarantee, but next years qb class seems better. Could acquire some great assets for the #1 pick this year. Even if they end up decent this year, and have extra picks to move up next year.”

Another pointed to other options on the board. “Strange? I don’t think so. Drew Allar and several other quarterbacks will be on radar in the first round.”

This fan didn’t mince words about Mendoza’s talent. “Well Kubiak knows he isn’t good.”

One cut straight to the disconnect. “Kubiak wants his own QB and isn’t sold on Mendoza.”

And this user sees the bigger picture of the rebuild. “I would trade that pick for a haul the Raiders need a lot of pieces and Crosby wants out.”

The Indiana star quarterback looked like a lock for the first overall pick after winning the National Championship and Heisman Trophy. Owner Mark Davis already gushed about how good Mendoza looked in black and silver. But Kubiak’s take? A different playbook entirely.

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Fernando Mendoza (Image Credits: Imagn)

The tension between Davis and Kubiak creates an awkward dynamic heading into draft season. Davis practically endorsed Mendoza at Kubiak’s introductory presser, calling his championship performance impressive.

But coaches want their guy, not the front office’s guy. Kirk Herbstreit warned on ESPN’s This is Football that Mendoza needs the right infrastructure to succeed, questioning whether Vegas can provide it.

The Raiders have Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty as building blocks, but holes across the offensive line and receiver positions remain glaring. Kubiak inherited a roster that needs serious work, and trading down for multiple picks might make more sense than betting everything on a quarterback who thrives on preparation rather than raw physical dominance.

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