If the Las Vegas Raiders select Fernando Mendoza, it is essential to use the remainder of the draft to construct a strong offense. The logical first step is to focus on protecting the future franchise quarterback.
Raiders 3-Round Mock Draft: How do you protect Fernando Mendoza?
Round 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
If Fernando Mendoza is the No. 1 pick, general manager John Spytek cannot treat the rest of the draft like a shopping spree. It has to look like an insurance policy. Rookie quarterbacks do not fail in isolation. They fail when the pocket caves, the margins shrink and the offense has no “easy” answers when the script breaks. Take a look around the NFL; all of the young quarterbacks have had supporting casts built and tailored around their strengths.
So the next two picks are not about flair. They are about operational stability: firm up the interior so Mendoza can live on schedule, then add a separator who can win clean and keep the chains moving when defenses take away the first read.
So, protection first, then you find him some weapons.
Round 2: Olaivavega loane, OG, Penn State
This is the adult choice. Thankfully, the Raiders now have adults (not geriatrics) running the show.
Offensive guards are not sexy, but they are the difference between a quarterback playing on time and a quarterback learning bad habits. The Penn State stalwart brings size, strength and a play temperament that shows up in short-yardage and late-game situations. The goal is simple: reduce immediate pressure up the middle, keep the launch point clean, and let Mendoza’s timing and ball placement matter.
A top pick at quarterback demands an offensive line plan. This is the start of a long-term vision that can mesh with some of the existing pieces that Spytek drafted last year.
Round 3: C.J. Daniels, WR, Miami (FL)
This is the quarterback’s oxygen. Simply put, the Raiders need to get Mendoza a wide receiver he can grow with—that’s where C.J. Daniels comes in.
Daniels gives Mendoza a practical target: a route runner who can create space, win in the intermediate areas and turn contested situations into manageable throws. He does not have to be a fantasy headline. He has to be dependable on third-and-6, in the red zone windows, and when defenses rotate late.
If the Raiders want Mendoza to play fast, they need receivers who get open fast. Mendoza will have Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer as security blankets, but a downfield option will pay off out of the gate.
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