Raiders Lock in Heisman Winner for Top Pick

0:00On April 3rd, the Las Vegas Raiders are locked in on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza for the number one overall pick, with the NFL draft just. Under three weeks out, he lit up pro day this week, nelling 53 of 56 passes in a tight 20-minute drill full of every route in the book. Mendoza's coming off of flawless 16-0 season that ended with a national championship for the Hoosiers, plus he's the fresh Heisman winner. Scout saw him slinging from pistol shotgun on the move, hitting deep 50-60 yard bombs and back shoulder fades like clockwork. Raiders head coach Clint Kubiak and other team reps showed up to watch, even after signing veteran Kurt Cousins this week as a bridge guy. The plan's clear, let the rookie soak up knowledge from a pro starter before taking the reins, speeding up his growth. Kubiak laid it out at lead meetings, saying a mature vet running the show helps the young Kubi handle pressure, whether he starts week 1 or year. 2. Tom Brady, as minority owner and advisor, is in the mix too, dishing honest feedback to build the pick right.

1:06As draft night nears, this mentor set up echoes legends like Aaron Rogers behind Brett Farve, or Steve Young with Joe Montana, setting Vegas up for a franchise reset.