The Las Vegas Raiders' preseason opener is drawing unusual attention, and the reason centers on one player. Fernando Mendoza, the number one overall pick in this year's draft, will take the field for the first time as a professional Friday night.
Head coach Klint Kubiak said Mendoza should see "Plenty of reps" in the game. He is not expected to start, but the starters are not projected to play much, meaning fans should not have to wait long to see their new quarterback. The last time Mendoza played in a game, he hoisted a national championship trophy. It has been nearly 20 years since the Raiders had a number one overall pick quarterback make his debut for the team, according to Raiders Wire.
Mendoza is not the only player worth watching. Running back Mike Washington, a fourth-round rookie who was projected by some as high as round two, will get his first real chance to prove himself. Training camp rules prevent defenders from taking ball carriers to the ground, limiting what coaches can evaluate. Washington's one-cut-and-go running style is expected to fit well with the Raiders' zone blocking scheme and complement starter Ashton Jeanty.
Wide receiver Malik Benson, a sixth-round rookie, has been developing chemistry with Mendoza throughout camp and has also worked as a punt returner. He has a path onto the roster through both offense and special teams.
On the offensive line, second-year guard Caleb Rogers is competing for the starting right guard job against Jackson Powers-Johnson. Rogers played well late last season after Powers-Johnson was lost to injury. Offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III has shifted from interior positions to right tackle over the past week, and if he holds up protecting Mendoza in the preseason opener, he could push DJ Glaze for the starting spot.
Defensively, the player drawing the most attention in camp is defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway. He finished last season with four sacks in five games and has been described as a weight room standout throughout the offseason. He enters the opener positioned as the team's top interior defensive lineman.
The left cornerback spot also carries significant interest, with an open competition involving former starters Darien Porter and Decamerion Richardson along with rookies Jermod McCoy and Hezekiah Masses. No clear frontrunner has emerged from camp.
