Welcome back to another edition of the Raiders Mailbag, Raider Nation! With the 2026 NFL draft now a week in the rearview mirror, the dust has settled and it's time to focus on the exciting new faces joining the Silver and Black. There's plenty to discuss this week, so let's jump right in.
Q: What's a reasonable over/under for Fernando Mendoza's regular-season starts as a rookie?
A: Great question, and one that's on every Raiders fan's mind. I'd set the line at 8.5 games. That means Mendoza likely takes over for Kirk Cousins around the midway point of the season. This approach gives the rookie the time he needs to master Klint Kubiak's playbook and adjust to the speed of the NFL without being thrown into the fire too early. It also buys the coaching staff valuable time to solidify the offensive line—getting the five best blockers on the field and building chemistry as a unit is crucial to protecting your No. 1 overall pick when he drops back to pass.
Of course, the timing could shift depending on when the Raiders' bye week falls. The schedule hasn't been announced yet (expected in mid-May), but I could see a scenario where the coaching staff names Mendoza the starter just before the bye, giving him an extra week to prepare for that first start.
I'm genuinely excited about what Mendoza brings to the table. That said, while I like what Treydan Stukes adds to the defense, anyone who followed me leading up to draft day knows who I would've taken in the second round—Kayden McDonald. The third round is where my enthusiasm dips a bit; I felt Keyron Crawford and Trey Zuhn III were both overdrafted, and I worry Zuhn might struggle to find a true position at the NFL level.
That said, the Day 3 haul was outstanding. Taking a flier on Jermod McCoy in the fourth round—a player with first-round talent—is a risk worth taking. Mike Washington was also solid value, and I'm intrigued by what Hezekiah Masses can bring to the defense as a fifth-rounder, especially with his zone coverage instincts and ball skills. Adding Dalton Johnson, another versatile defensive back, gives a much-needed boost to a position group that needed depth.
The Raiders' roster still has some question marks, but the foundation is starting to take shape. Stay tuned, Raider Nation—this season is going to be one to watch.