Fernando Mendoza may be the future of the Las Vegas Raiders, but he has no intention of rushing the learning process. Instead, the No. 1 overall pick is embracing the opportunity to study under veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, whose preparation and experience have already left a strong impression on the rookie.
Fernando Mendoza Explains Why Kirk Cousins is a Great Mentor
As training camp approaches, Mendoza recently discussed on The Rush podcast with Maxx Crosby what it’s been like sharing a quarterback room with Cousins. Rather than focusing on physical talent, the rookie pointed to the veteran’s preparation habits and the daily routine that has allowed him to enjoy a long NFL career.
“I have such an opportunity to learn from Kirk and Aiden [O’Connell]. Kirk’s notes are crazy, it’s nothing like I’ve ever seen,” Mendoza said. “This guy pulls up with like 20 notebooks of his entire career. So to see the way his mind works, along with Aiden who’s a brilliant mind, especially in the quarterback space as well. Being able to learn from them has really been able to take and refine my mental process.”
The Raiders did not bring Cousins in simply to win football games this season. They brought him in to help develop the quarterback they believe can lead the franchise for the next decade. Every notebook, every film session, and every extra hour spent in the building gives Mendoza another chance to learn what it takes to succeed as an NFL starter.
Not every veteran quarterback welcomes that role. Some view the rookie behind them as competition. Cousins appears to be taking the opposite approach, setting an example through preparation rather than speeches. That may prove just as valuable as anything he does on the field this season.
Cousin’s Commitment to Preparation is Second to None
Those observations did not come from a single meeting or one practice. After spending time around Cousins inside the Raiders’ facility, Mendoza has been able to watch firsthand how the veteran approaches the position long before kickoff. According to the rookie quarterback, it is that relentless commitment to preparation that has stood out more than anything else.
“You see a common theme with all, great quarterbacks and them being prepared, if not overprepared, and them making sure they’re doing everything possible in being prepared to the max point in order to best serve their teammates and give themselves the best chance to succeed on Sundays. Seeing the lengths that Kirk’s gone has gone to and the mental aspect of it and the way that he stays after hours is there till 7:00 p.m. at night studying is something that I look up to and I’m looking to replicate and get my process refined off his.”
What Mendoza’s words highlight is something that can get lost in the debate over franchise quarterbacks. When it’s said and done, arm strength and athleticism are fine attributes for a quarterback to possess but they will only take a player so far. Quarterbacks who maintain that status for 10+ years is typically thanks to meticulous work ethic, preparation, and extreme dedication to the craft.
That is exactly what makes this situation so valuable for the Raiders. Mendoza isn’t simply learning a new playbook. He’s watching how an established NFL veteran structures his day, studies defenses, and prepares for each opponent. Those habits cannot be taught in a classroom or replicated during a rookie minicamp. They have to be observed, repeated, and eventually become second nature.
If Mendoza embraces that process as completely as he suggests, the Raiders may end up benefiting from Cousins’ influence long after the veteran is no longer taking snaps in Las Vegas.
