Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the number-one overall pick for the Las Vegas Raiders in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. The franchise desperately needs a quarterback to build around, and the Indiana Hoosiers superstar is the consensus top prospect in the position. They already appear to be trying to create the best situation possible for him, including recent news of their interest in a Minnesota Vikings asset.
Raiders Already Planning to Build Around Fernando Mendoza With Interest in Vikings Acquisition
The Raiders have struggled in recent years to find a quarterback to serve as the face of their future. They own the top pick in the draft this year, giving them an ideal opportunity to address this situation. Most would agree that Mendoza gives them the best chance to do so.
Bringing in the reigning National Champion and Heisman Trophy winner should create optimism about their outlook, but they will need properly develop him if he’s going to be an NFL star. Adam Schefter recently reported that they are already working towards this concept by targeting a key Vikings coach to join their staff.
“Raiders have requested to speak with Vikings assistant offensive coordinator Jordan Traylor to be their QB coach, a job with the potential to work with expected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Traylor, 33, has worked with Kevin O’Connell, Sean Payton and Klint Kubiak, the latter two in New Orleans,” reported Schefter.
Raiders have requested to speak with Vikings assistant offensive coordinator Jordan Traylor to be their QB coach, a job with the potential to work with expected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Traylor, 33, has worked with Kevin O’Connell, Sean Payton and Klint Kubiak, the…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 18, 2026
The Raiders are welcoming in a new era this year, with Klint Kubiak taking over as their head coach and an exciting quarterback prospect likely joining him. They are now trying to supplement their situation by grabbing Jordan Traylor to potentially serve as their quarterbacks coach. Their request to formally interview him must first be officially approved by the Vikings.
Traylor’s previous history of working with Kubiak during their time with the New Orleans Saints could bring chemistry to the offense in Las Vegas. The Raiders also recently hired Andrew Janocko to be their offensive coordinator, who was on the same Saints staff as Kubiak and Traylor.
This could theoretically create a favorable situation for Mendoza and give him a higher chance of succeeding in the NFL. He was spectacular in his final college football season, including finishing second in PFSN’s Impact Rankings. He also completed an undefeated season with Indiana, so there are plenty of reasons to believe that he can succeed in the right situation.
