Raiders Draft Mendoza, Kubiak's System, & Run Game

0:00It's April 24th. Welcome in. This is California News today, where local news meets AI. The Las Vegas Raiders just made for an Ando Mendoza their number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, grabbing the Indiana quarterback too. End years of chaos at the position. This is their first day one signal caller since Dr. Marcus Russell back in 2007, and they're banking on his accuracy, quick decisions, and downfield arm to become the franchise face. They've cycled through seven starters since dumping Darecar after the 2022 season, including a pricey Geno Smith deal that flopped. With 17 picks, now with new head coach Clint Kubiak, fresh off a Super Bowl win as Seattle's offensive coordinator, the Raiders are building a system that fits. Mendoza's play action style perfectly. Kubiak's got a track record developing guys like Brock Purdy and Kurt Cousins, who's now on a one-year deal as a mentor and bridge starter. He made's rave about Mendoza's work ethic and clutch plays, like sealing Indiana's

1:03Big Ten title and national championship with Big Throws, and a touchdown run. To set him up right, the Raiders need a legit run game. They ranked dead last in rushing yards per game lately, leaning on second year back Ashton Johnty. An eyeing draft adds like, Kaelan Black. Defense got boost with signings like the Kobe Dean, but they still want secondary help and maybe the top defender available at pick 36. With patience as the real key, General Manager John Spitek says the best player plays using Cousins to ease Mendoza in while stacking the roster. Through nine more picks and young talents. This could finally get Las Vegas back to playoffs if they play it smart.