New Raiders Rumors on Fernando Mendoza Learning 'Dance Steps' in Klint Kubiak's Offense

After the Las Vegas Raiders wrapped up their offseason program this week, Fernando Mendoza is still in the process of getting acclimated to all of the intricacies of head coach Klint Kubiak's offense.

Appearing on the Saturday morning edition of SportsCenter, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler explained that Mendoza is essentially "learning dance steps" as he plays under center for the first time:

"Yeah, so they're immersing Mendoza into that Raiders offense," Fowler said. "Klint Kubiak's offense is gonna be a lot of under center work, and so, as one team source told me, 'It's like learning dance steps,' and that's what he's been going through over the last few months, and everything he does has been with high intent, so he's been working overtime to get this done."

Mendoza, the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, played three seasons in college between his time at California and Indiana. ESPN's Ryan McFadden noted he took a total of five snaps under center during that period.

The 2025 Heisman winner admitted during rookie minicamp in May that information was coming at him like a "firehose" and the under-center footwork was something he had to get comfortable with:

"Instead of being back there in shotgun, we have to get back to make sure you best serve your offensive linemen, still be on time [and] still decipher the defense. And with that, actually having an emphasis on those first two steps, on securing the snap and getting out of there, and [being] powerful with having quick feet."

After the Raiders wrapped up mandatory minicamp on Friday, Kubiak praised Mendoza for "putting in the work" and getting "a ton better" since the draft.

The Raiders have taken a lot of pressure off Mendoza by bringing in Kirk Cousins as a free agent. Cousins seems like a safe bet to be the Week 1 starter, having taken all of the first-team reps with the offense leading up to mandatory minicamp.

Mendoza finally got some run with the first-team offense this week, but the Raiders appear to be slow-playing things with their rookie to avoid overwhelming him right out of the gate.

The most important thing for the Raiders is Mendoza's long-term development. He entered the league with a lot to learn, but by all accounts he seems to be checking the necessary boxes to get where he needs to be.

Next up for the Raiders will be reconvening in late-July for the start of training camp.

Mendoza figures to get his first taste of game action on Aug. 13 when the Raiders kickoff their preseason schedule against the Arizona Cardinals.