The Las Vegas Raiders hold the keys to the 2026 NFL Draft, and everyone has an opinion on what the franchise should do at No. 1 overall. Former NFL fullback Jason Cabinda is the latest to weigh in. He likes what he sees in Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and views the prospect as a perfect fit for the silver and black.
Jason Cabinda Backs Fernando Mendoza as the Las Vegas Raiders’ Top Pick
Speaking on Thursday’s broadcast of “Good Morning Football,” Cabinda backed Mendoza as the right choice to lead Las Vegas into its new era. His endorsement carries genuine weight given his transition from hard-nosed player to sharp media analyst.
Cabinda said, “He’s (Fernando Mendoza) the perfect fit for Las Vegas.”
“He’s the perfect fit for Las Vegas” 🔥
– @jasoncabinda on Fernando Mendoza’s pro day pic.twitter.com/4joOFwy3dG
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) April 2, 2026
At 6-foot-4 3/4, Mendoza possesses the prototypical frame that Raiders fans have missed, but his pocket mobility and never-say-die attitude truly draw comparisons to the greats of Raiders lore.
Mendoza just wrapped up a spectacular Pro Day in Bloomington. He showcased his deep throwing power and proved he can operate effectively under center, which was evidenced by him leading the FBS with 41 passing touchdowns against only six interceptions in 2025.
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Mendoza also ranked as the nation’s best in passer rating, per PFSN’s CFB QB Impact, with a 72% completion rate and a 182.9 passer rating. His ability to process complex defenses and deliver the ball with rare accuracy transformed a program into a juggernaut.
The fit Cabinda champions is rooted in the Raiders’ shift toward a Klint Kubiak-led offense. Kubiak’s system, derived from the Shanahan tree, prizes timing, rhythm, and precision over raw improvisational chaos.
Brian Griese and Mendoza’s Pre-Draft Preparation
The rumors surrounding Mendoza and the Raiders go far beyond typical draft season smoke. The highly touted prospect is reportedly already learning the Las Vegas offensive scheme.
Mendoza is working closely with former NFL quarterback Brian Griese during his offseason training sessions to install the Kubiak playbook. This level of preparation is highly unusual for a prospect who has not officially been drafted yet.
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Griese has deep ties to the Kubiak family and the offensive system they run. Having a veteran with 11 years of NFL experience guiding Mendoza through the nuances of the playbook gives the rookie a massive head start.
It strongly signals that the Raiders have communicated their intentions clearly to the Mendoza camp. However, General Manager John Spytek continues to play things close to the vest in public.
