Maxx Crosby Urges No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza to Lead Genuinely in Raiders QB Battle
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Jul 8
Maxx Crosby Urges No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza to Lead Genuinely in Raiders QB Battle
3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Jul 8
Summary
Maxx Crosby told Fernando Mendoza that authenticity—not trying too hard to prove himself—will matter most as the No. 1 pick grows into the Raiders' quarterback leadership role.
On Crosby's podcast, Mendoza said veteran Kirk Cousins has already reinforced that lesson, advising him to stay true to himself so older teammates will trust him.
Cousins, signed in free agency, remains the other Week 1 starting option, leaving Mendoza to develop his command of the locker room before he likely takes over.
Training camp now becomes the next test for Mendoza as Las Vegas gauges whether teammates buy into him on and off the field.