Day one of Raiders camp is in the books with a full house to get things kicked off. One of the first notable differences on day one was the quarterback depth chart. Particularly Fernando Mendoza's position on it.
Kirk Cousins led things off, just as head coach Klint Kubiak said he would on report day. Pulling up beside him in drills and next up in team sessions was Mendoza.
The top pick rookie had been working as the number three quarterback behind Aidan O'Connell throughout the offseason prior to this. And some wondered if maybe that could continue. Raiders offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko sees Mendoza as having made enough progress already to earn a bump.
"Obviously, just the command of the offense, him being able to articulate things, how
he sees it, sees it in real time, takes it from the meeting room and on the board in the film, brings it out here, and be able to see the picture, and then tie his footwork to that," Janocko said of Mendoza.
Mendoza had great success last season at Indiana, but not only is there always a transition from college to the pros, but he is making that transition while learning to play under center after playing almost exclusively in shotgun for the Hoosiers. That doesn't happen overnight.
There are a lot more reps to be had as the number two guy than as the number three. The level of play from those around him improves as well. So, this move should help Mendoza's development even further.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Fernando Mendoza opens camp having moved up Raiders QB depth chart
