Maxx Crosby reveals if he has talked to Fernando Mendoza after Raiders drafted him

Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images Fernando Mendoza may be the new face of the Las Vegas Raiders, but he is not walking into the locker room alone. The No. 1 overall pick instantly brings expectations, pressure, and attention, especially at quarterback.

But what often matters just as much is what happens behind the scenes once the spotlight fades. And in Mendoza’s case, one of the Raiders’ biggest leaders has already made sure that transition is as smooth as possible. Because long before the regular season begins, relationships inside the locker room are already taking shape, and this one could end up being crucial.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images Maxx Crosby confirms early connection with Fernando Mendoza Speaking via The Rush podcast , Crosby revealed that his connection with the rookie quarterback started even before draft night. “I know everybody’s fired up that he’s part of our team now. I had the chance to have a great conversation with him when he came on his visit.

“I got to chop it up with him a little bit, and then on draft night, got on FaceTime and talked to him,” Crosby said. That early interaction matters. It shows Mendoza was already building relationships within the organization before officially becoming the franchise’s centerpiece.