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The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to leave years of struggle behind them.
It all starts with rookie No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, who may not start at all in 2026, but is clearly the organization’s most valuable asset.
Everything has revolved around the Heisman winner in Sin City, and he’s already made a strong impression on the team’s veterans.
Notably, that includes Nakobe Dean, one of the team’s biggest offseason signings. When asked about his rookie quarterback, the former Georgia standout had an interesting way to describe him.
Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza has ‘aura’
“They use the new word ‘aura’ [and] he got a lot of aura around him, just being a guy with a lot of positive, infectious energy,” Dean told the NFL Network. “He is always smiling. Every time I see him, he has a smile on his face.”
Dean gushed about Mendoza’s positive mindset, and he’s looking forward to watching what he can do when he’s finally given a chance to take the field:
“He always got something nice to say. He always says what’s up to you, no matter what. My first impressions of him have been great. I think you got a coaching staff, you got an offense, and you got a team that’s ready to ride behind him and get the best out of it,” he added.
Scouts and experts gushed about Mendoza’s work ethic and demeanor during the pre-draft process.
They tabbed him as a true gym and film rat, and his leadership and communication skills were on full display during his epic run with the Indiana Hoosiers last season.
Of course, it mostly comes down to skill and talent, but quarterbacks are leaders first and foremost. Having people skills can take a signal-caller a long way, knowing that everyone on that team would be willing to go to war for and with him.
Mendoza’s journey is just getting started, and it might be a while before he actually plays, but the early returns have certainly been encouraging.
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