Raiders’ John Spytek mum on top prospect Fernando Mendoza, hasn’t talked with Geno Smith in offseason
Chief among those plans will no doubt be figuring out a plan at quarterback.
Though Spytek didn’t mention Mendoza, he described the traits he’s looking for in a franchise QB.
“A leader and someone tough as hell,” Spytek said. “Somebody that loves to play football, maniacal preparer. Obviously, somebody that can throw the ball well, but I think just somebody that loves the game and will give everything for their teammates. … I think there’s a great humility and selflessness required to play that position at a high level.”
In the eyes and opinions of many, Mendoza has those traits in spades, having showcased them as he led Indiana to a national championship last season.
“Mendoza is a very accurate thrower with excellent size, toughness and enough athleticism,” NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah wrote of the QB in his top 50 prospect rankings, where Mendoza is ranked No. 1. “He is insanely tough, routinely hanging in the pocket and absorbing big hits.”
Though most have Mendoza penciled in to be the No. 1 name off the board, Spytek doesn’t necessarily believe in having a rookie on the field in Week 1.
“I think you want to limit the amount of pressure you have on that guy from the start,” he said. “Now, if you have a young quarterback, I’m not necessarily in favor of running him out there right away, so (you want) another quality player that can play the quarterback position.”
Smith, who suffered a high ankle sprain at the tail end the Raiders’ 3-14 season in which he had a league-worst 17 interceptions, could potentially be that “quality” QB to help onboard Mendoza. It would seem more likely that Smith will be leaving Las Vegas, however.
