FOUNDATION: Are the Raiders Setting Fernando Mendoza Up to SINK or SWIM Right Out of the Gate?

Las Vegas Raiders gamble their future on Fernando Mendoza as the 2026 NFL Draft’s top pick — but is the rookie QB set up for success? Kyle Crabs and his co-host break down the strengths and risks surrounding the franchise’s new direction, from Klint Kubiak’s first year as head coach to a revamped quarterback room headlined by Kirk Cousins. The Raiders’ coaching chemistry, offensive line uncertainty, and the dynamic tight end duo of Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer all come under the microscope. Key talking points include the underwhelming wide receiver corps, Ashton Genti’s role as the lead back, and whether the run-heavy approach can truly support a rookie signal-caller. The conversation covers recent draft strategies, free agent options like Jauan Jennings, and major questions about the Raiders’ defensive front despite Maxx Crosby’s dominance. Will this risky roster construction accelerate Mendoza’s growth, or leave Las Vegas in NFL limbo? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnfl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.