Steinberg Urges No. 1 Pick Mendoza to Sit Behind Cousins, Citing 3 Star QB Models
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 9
Steinberg Urges No. 1 Pick Mendoza to Sit Behind Cousins, Citing 3 Star QB Models
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 9
Summary
Leigh Steinberg said Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza can benefit from opening his career on the bench, pointing to Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers as quarterbacks who developed before starting.
Steinberg argued the setup protects a No. 1 overall pick from early damage, saying Mendoza needs time to adjust to faster NFL defenses and that Las Vegas does not have one of the league's strongest offensive lines.
Kirk Cousins, a 14-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowler, is set to start Week 1 and gives Mendoza an experienced mentor while the rookie learns behind the scenes and in limited action.
John Spytek said last week that Mendoza's "time is coming," praising his accuracy, work ethic and self-awareness as the Raiders signal patience after drafting the national championship-winning quarterback.