Raiders Draft Mendoza, New Era Dawns

0:00The Las Vegas Raiders just grabbed Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the number one overall pick in this year's NFL Draft. He's the first QB they've taken at the top spot since Jamaica's Russell back in 2007. Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman winner, led the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 season and their first national title. Earlier this week, the Raiders locked in that top pick after a Rough 3 and 14 campaign under Coach Pete Carroll, who got fired after just one year. They also shipped off Geno Smith to the New York Jets last month, clearing the path for a fresh start. Mendoza was hyped about joining the squad, calling it a great organization with a legacy he's pumped to build on. Owner Mark Davis brought in new coach Clint Kubieck, partly to develop a top offensive pick like this guy and they scouted him hard at the combine and Indiana's pro day. Fresh off transferring from California, Mendoza exploded in his one year with the Hoosiers,

1:01throwing for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and a 72% completion rate. He's the 30th number one quarterback pick since 1967. Now he'll battle veteran Kirk Cousins and Aiden O'Connell for the starting gig, but the front office says the best player earns the job. Raiders fans are buzzing. This could reset the franchise for years. From your city, powered by AI, this is California News Today. I'm Corey with the story.