Fernando Mendoza set for first Raiders start against Seahawks
NBC Sports research puts the combined record of quarterbacks drafted first overall at 5-23-1 in their first starts since the 1970 merger.
Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza, the draft’s first overall selection, is scheduled to make his first career start against the Seahawks, the defending Super Bowl champions. Former Raiders starter Kirk Cousins is now playing for the Vikings.
According to NBC Sports research, just five quarterbacks selected first overall have won their opening starts since the 1970 merger. They are Jim Plunkett in 1971, John Elway in 1983, Mike Vick in 2001, David Carr in 2002 and Caleb Williams in 2024.
Elway’s victory came despite his being benched at Pittsburgh. He completed one pass in eight attempts for 14 yards, threw an interception and was sacked. Steve DeBerg then completed four passes in eight attempts for 35 yards and a touchdown as the Broncos won 14-10.
Mendoza will be the first quarterback whose debut comes against the reigning Super Bowl champions since Justin Herbert faced the Chiefs in 2020. Herbert’s Chargers lost that game 23-20.
