Fernando Mendoza receives high praise from NFL analyst ahead of first career start

Fernando Mendoza is receiving plenty of excitement ahead of his first NFL start, with CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco already predicting that the Las Vegas Raiders rookie has what it takes to become a franchise quarterback.“I think he’s a franchise QB,” Prisco said Thursday. “He’s nice as can be, calm, cool off the field. On the field, he’s a killer.”“I think he’s a franchise QB. He’s nice as can be, calm, cool off the field. On the field, he’s a killer.” @PriscoCBS on Fernando Mendoza. #justfootball https://t.co/e0KEBuRsUh— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 12, 2026Prisco believes the Raiders made the right decision by selecting Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, he also wants to see how the rookie performs over a 20-game stretch before making a definitive judgment about his long-term potential.Mendoza will get his first opportunity to prove himself as the Raiders’ starting quarterback after veteran Kirk Cousins was traded to the Minnesota Vikings at Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.MORE: Super Bowl-winning coach ‘has itch’ to return to gameMendoza ready for once-in-a-lifetime opportunityNovember 8, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn ImagesThe rookie described his promotion to starting quarterback as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity and acknowledged that becoming the team’s starter represents a new step in his professional career.Mendoza also made sure to recognize Cousins and his family for the support they provided during his transition to the NFL.“Really, truly from the bottom of my heart wanted to thank Kirk and the entire Cousins family,” Mendoza said. “They, as a family, have done so much for me. They essentially took me into their household when they were here.”The Raiders will need Mendoza to adjust quickly, with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks coming to Las Vegas on Sunday.MORE: Daniel Jones’ reaction to Colts’ trade deadline moves says it allRaiders teammates believe in rookie quarterbackApr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (center) poses with jersey with general manager John Spytek (left) and head coach Klint Kubiak at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center after being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesMendoza has already earned the confidence of his teammates, including tight end Brock Bowers, who understands the challenges of transitioning from an experienced veteran to a rookie quarterback.“Everyone has faith in him,” Bowers said. “He might have a bad play here and there, but you just got to flush it. I know he does a good job at that.”Mendoza has appeared in one game this season, completing six of eight passes for 48 yards against the New England Patriots in Week 5.Before entering the NFL, he led the Indiana Hoosiers to the 2026 National College Football Championship while capturing both the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award.Now, the highly decorated rookie has an opportunity to show that his success at the college level can translate into the NFL.– Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter –