New Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza ready to prove he was worthy of No. 1 draft pick

He worked with former quarterback Brian Griese — both attended the same Miami high school — on what his role in the West Coast offense could look like, giving him a head start in preparing for a similar system used by new Raiders coach Klint Kubiak . “I needed some guidance on how to become the best NFL quarterback,” Mendoza said. “Not just for a pro day or the combine, for September, October, December.

With that, we went over some general under-center concepts and installed basic bread-and-butter concepts that any team would have. ” That dedication and mental approach to the game, as well as Mendoza's physical traits, sold management on the idea that he was the quarterback the franchise has long searched for in hopes of returning to the days when the Raiders were regular contenders. General manager John Spytek marveled at Mendoza's ability to recall plays from even early in the season at Indiana.

Spytek didn't have to hit the play button while they watched video before Mendoza not only recognized the play, but explained it in detail. Mendoza also acknowledged those plays that didn't go well and what he might have done differently. “There was an honesty and a self-awareness to it,” Spytek said.

“I’ve been a part of a few other quarterback interviews like that before, but not very many. ” Much has been made of how quickly Mendoza can transition from a college system in which he was in the shotgun nearly every down to an offense in which he will be under center the vast majority of snaps. “His skill-set fits with any offense in professional football,” Kubiak said.