Choosing Fernando Mendoza was never automatic for the Las Vegas Raiders. Especially when they did not have a head coach early in the offseason, when getting things going in the right direction is most important. Even when they hired Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to be the next head coach for the Silver and Black, they had to do the whole process and homework on who they were going to take with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak at press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images They knew they needed a quarterback and wanted to do their best to pick the best fit for the team they are building. For Kubiak, it was about letting the process play out and seeing what each step Mendoza would take leading into the draft.…