Raiders not asking Kirk Cousins to mentor Fernando Mendoza

The Raiders backed a familiar draft plan by selecting Fernando Mendoza with the top pick, aiming to pair him with an experienced quarterback after trading Geno Smith in free agency. Kirk Cousins emerged as a leading option given his durability and familiarity with coach Klint Kubiak's system, yet head coach Kubiak stressed that he never asked Cousins to mentor Mendoza, insisting the goal is a competitive, ready-to-play quarterback room. Cousins pushed back on the mentorship idea, saying he learns from Mendoza and fellow QB Aidan O’Connell and that the room operates as a collaborative unit. His presence could ease Mendoza's transition by offering pro-level preparation without imposing mentoring duties. Kubiak wants all three quarterbacks to prepare as if they are starters, a setup designed to accelerate development while maintaining long-term trust in the young top pick.