Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza: ‘I need more work under center’
Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza believes he has a long way to go to master playing under center for Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza views himself as a work in progress playing under center. The Raiders ’ West Coast offense calls for Mendoza to master the offensive formation, which he feels needs more development in to gain full command of after working in shotgun throughout his college career. “I mean, the other quarterbacks are really in tune, but I need more work under center, and it's great when we can be in the hotel getting 25 to 50 snaps each last night and the night before day one, and to really get that timing,” Mendoza said following his second day of Rookie minicamp.
“I still have a long way to go, but those centers are phenomenal, consistent snaps, and the offensive line did a great job. " Mendoza played out of the shotgun with regularity at Indiana in 2025. Questions percolated throughout the draft process this offseason regarding the learning curve that he’d have to endure to become fully proficient in the nuances of Raiders offense, which requires taking a great deal of snaps under center.
The Heisman winning QB worked with former Denver Broncos quarterback Brian Griese on those nuances that Las Vegas’ scheme calls for prior to the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite testifying to the work that he’s put in, Mendoza sees more road ahead of him, with “added footwork” being the biggest adjustment he faces in gaining command of playing under center prior to the start of next season. This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza: ‘I need more work under center’