Just last season, the Las Vegas Raiders were the worst team in the NFL, and they were rewarded with the number one pick because of it. With said pick, the team drafted Fernando Mendoza. The rookie from Indiana was fresh off the first 16-0 collegiate season since the 19th century, and he also won the Heisman Trophy at Indiana.

Mendoza's status as a premier prospect made him the supposed immediate face of the Las Vegas franchise. However, the Raiders also brought in a bridge quarterback in the form of Kirk Cousins, and the veteran ended up winning a quarterback competition over the rookie. With Cousins under center, the Raiders have found success.

The team entered Week 5 with a 3-1 record, making them one of the league's most pleasant surprises thus far. However, they struggled in a big way against the New England Patriots. The team was blown out by a score of 45-17, and in the defeat, Mendoza was thrust into action for the first time.

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In limited time in relief, the number one pick went 6-for-8 for 48 yards. While the game was already out of hand when Mendoza entered, it was a decent showing for the rookie.

Many fans wanted Mendoza to be the starter right away, but young QBs learning from the bench for a year or so has proven to be a succesful philosophy for teams in the past. Any more brutal losses like this one, though, and Mendoza will be handed the reins sooner rather than later.