Overview
- Team officials will evaluate Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza in person at Monday’s College Football Playoff title game after a scheduled head-coaching interview with Mike McDaniel in South Florida.
- Las Vegas is also set to meet with Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero next week as part of a broad search that has included Kevin Stefanski, Matt Nagy, Klint Kubiak, Vance Joseph and others.
- ESPN’s Josh Pate, Miami’s Mario Cristobal and former coach Bruce Arians offered strong endorsements of Mendoza’s arm talent, accuracy, anticipation and maturity following standout playoff performances.
- Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr cautioned against drafting a rookie without first upgrading protection and depth, urging significant offensive line investment if Mendoza is the choice.
- Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported a rumor that Las Vegas could explore offering the No. 1 pick for Lamar Jackson, while draft analysts outlined alternatives to support a rookie such as targeting Indiana WR Elijah Sarratt, Iowa C Logan Jones and San Diego State CB Chris Johnson.