Fernando Mendoza is listed as QB2 in first Raiders' depth chart

The first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, Fernando Mendoza, has been assigned the role of backup quarterback to Kirk Cousins on the Raiders' depth chart. The initial arrangement of players has been unveiled. Mendoza joins Aidan O Connell, the third quarterback on the roster, who has amassed 17 starts in three seasons with the team.

Jacob Clark, an undrafted rookie from Missouri State, is positioned as the fourth-string quarterback. It appears the Raiders are aiming to commence the season with Cousins under center, without a genuine battle between Cousins and Mendoza for the starting spot. This strategy contradicts the contemporary approach of integrating newly drafted quarterbacks, allowing them to gain valuable experience and familiarize themselves with the game's pace.

The Las Vegas depth chart, at this point, does not reveal any unexpected surprises. Mendoza's potential absence from the team by the end of the 2026 season would be highly unexpected. The primary concern for the Raiders is whether they possess sufficient talent to contend in the highly competitive AFC West division. On paper, the team seems to lack the necessary assets to succeed. Time will tell if they can turn this perception around as they face actual games.