Tapping into the Indiana talent pipeline may be one way to revitalize the Las Vegas Raiders organization, and it’s not limited to just quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Let’s face it, for a team that didn’t do much winning in 2025, sprinkling some college championship magic wouldn’t hurt.
The Hoosiers’ lineup boasts more than just a star quarterback. It’s a clear identity: disciplined, efficient, and made up of players who know what it takes to win. If the Raiders are truly committed to becoming more reliable week in and week out, this is as crucial as any potential for development. While Mendoza’s actions might represent this concept, a more strategic approach would involve adopting it as a guiding principle.
So, how can general manager John Spytek capitalize on all of this? Let’s take a closer look.
Raiders 3-Round Mock Draft: Trying to recreate some Indiana magic?
Round 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza appears to be the type of quarterback that coaches are eager to “improve” due to his mature play. He learned Curt Cignetti’s offense fast, ran it clean, and lived on schedule. When the structure is intact, he reads leverage and triggers quickly and places the ball where receivers stay in stride. The short and intermediate game is his home.
That’s the warning label, too. Mendoza’s most effective film showcases his skills within RPOs, play-action setups, and situations where the offense is facing a manageable second down. If the Raiders select him, they’re not getting a savior. The Raiders are bringing in a quarterback who’ll fit within a system but it’s essential that this system can handle the hits.
His poise and processing are real. The sacks and throwaways show discipline. But Las Vegas cannot confuse “low turnover” with “solves everything.” Drafting Mendoza would be an indictment of the Raiders’ plan as much as a bet on his talent.
Round 2: Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
Christen Miller is the kind of draft pick that tells you whether the Raiders are serious or just chasing highlights. He is 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, reads run concepts quickly and stays disciplined in his gap. That is not glamorous, but it travels—especially in December, when offenses want to lean on you and shorten the game.
The appeal is simple: Miller raises the floor. He can play nose, work the B-gap, and slide along the front without the defense changing its rules. That flexibility matters when injuries hit and opponents start hunting matchups.
When Christen Miller wins, he WINS https://t.co/GnGq2NImOe pic.twitter.com/ryIdQwZOKN
— Hail Mary Sports (@hailmarysportss) September 25, 2025
However, it’s important to note that his potential as a pass-rusher is genuine but not guaranteed. Even if the Raiders select him and he only develops into a reliable player, they will still have a solid cornerstone in their defense. Should he refine his countermoves and become a more effective finisher, he’d become a valuable three-down interior player. Regardless, it’s a wager on what truly matters, not just the surface-level chatter.
Round 3: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Omar Cooper Jr. is a receiver who instills confidence in an offense. He is compact and strong through contact, and he lives over the middle on slants, digs, and crossers—the routes that keep a young quarterback on schedule and punish soft zones. When the ball arrives, he turns into a runner, reading blocks on screens and finishing through tackle attempts.
A comparison to Rashee Rice isn’t outlandish, at least on the surface. The two share a similar physical build, comparable efficiency, and production grades that align. Plus, Cooper’s broken-tackle rate hints at an even greater ability to generate yards after the catch. Precisely. The Raiders need to tread carefully with all this excitement. Unlike other crops, rice is the exception, not the standard.
If Las Vegas decides to draft Cooper, the message should focus on “instant functionality” rather than labeling him as the “next star.” His baseline performance is solid, but his potential for greatness relies on his ability to succeed when defenses deny him easy access to the inside. Also, it won’t hurt to be reunited with Mendoza and resume what they started at Indiana.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images