Fernando Mendoza secures QB2 spot in Raiders' depth chart

In the United States, the Las Vegas Raiders have released their first depth chart for the 2026 NFL season, revealing that Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, is positioned as the backup quarterback. This announcement comes as the team prepares for the upcoming season, with Kirk Cousins listed as the starting quarterback. Mendoza's placement at QB2 indicates the Raiders' strategy to have Cousins lead the team, potentially limiting Mendoza's opportunities for on-field experience early in his career. The depth chart also includes Aidan O'Connell as the third quarterback, who has accumulated 17 starts over three seasons with the Raiders, and Jacob Clark, an undrafted rookie from Missouri State, as the fourth-string quarterback. The Raiders' decision to start Cousins reflects a traditional approach, contrasting with the modern trend of rapidly integrating highly-drafted quarterbacks into gameplay to accelerate their development. As the season approaches, questions arise regarding the Raiders' overall talent and competitiveness within the challenging AFC West division. Analysts suggest that if Mendoza does not see playing time by the end of the season, it would be considered a significant surprise, indicating high expectations for his performance and development. The Raiders will need to prove their capabilities on the field, as their current roster appears to lack the depth and talent necessary to compete effectively in a top-heavy division.