Fernando Mendoza boost as Raiders make desperate play to address major hole with $106million superstar

Fernando Mendoza’s rookie season could well hinge on the Las Vegas Raiders defense.

If Maxx Crosby stays and leads an improved unit, the presumed No. 1 pick could be able to game manage a few wins.

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The other option is being thrown into shootouts and running for his life behind a poor O-line trying to keep pace with opponents.

Las Vegas fired defensive minded head coach Pete Carroll and opted for Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak instead.

Kubiak worked wonders with Sam Darnold, but his job was made far easier by Mike Macdonald’s fearsome ‘Dark Side’ defense.

Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is gone in a full clearout of the top Las Vegas coaching staff.

His replacement’s first concern will be ensuring that rumors that Crosby will seek a trade don’t materialize.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the franchise is expected to promote defensive line coach Rob Leonard in a potentially risky move.

Leonard has never called plays and could have benefitted from working under a defensive head coach in what will be his first coordinator role.

But his strong relationship with Crosby, who signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension in 2025, is a major plus.

The former N.C. State star has 12 years coaching experience and has been with the Raiders since 2023 — working under three head coaches.

Kubiak’s first major coaching appointment seems to be addressing the biggest question mark on defense, while the search for an offensive coordinator goes on. 

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Seattle quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko and receivers coach Frisman Jackson are among the names being touted, meaning none of the people in the top posts will have held their positions before.

After making some poor calls in his first year as an exec, Brady’s Raiders are looking to right some wrongs.

The biggest decision by far will be how to use the No. 1 pick, with Mendoza believed expected to be the man.

“As a child, I was always a huge Tom Brady fan,” the Heisman winner and national champion has revealed.

“I read the TB12 book. I was always big on preparation, because like Tom, I’m not the biggest. I’m not the fastest. I’m not the strongest.

“But the edge is in the intellect and the preparation. So I really appreciate him preaching that message from a young age.”

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However, with former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr considering coming out of retirement, a possible reunion between the two parties could be on the cards.

“Derek Carr reportedly may unretire,” Raiders reporter Nick Walters wrote on Sunday.

“Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak and QB coach Andrew Janocko, expected to be the #Raiders’ next HC and OC, coached Carr with the Saints last season.

“In the wild scenario Las Vegas passes on Fernando Mendoza and trades the No. 1 pick for a haul… “

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