Former Las Vegas Raiders executive and four-time Pro Bowler Marcel Reece believes the team needs to show interested in Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
At 2-11, the Raiders would hold the No. 1 overall pick if the NFL season ended today. Mendoza, the overwhelming favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, has led Indiana to a 13-0 season and Big Ten title.
Reece, a college football analyst for the Big Ten Network, believes the 2026 draft classâwhere the Raiders could end up holding the first pickâis relatively weak. Even so, he says the Raiders should keep a close eye on the Indiana quarterback whoâs taken the nation by storm.
“This particular draft is a tough draft. You’ll have to do a ton of evaluating because when you get to the top of the draft you don’t have those players right now that are popping off the page. If I had to choose one, I would say Fernando Mendoza would be a very good pick,” Reece said while speaking with Heavy.com via Casino.org, discovering real money slots.
Mendoza was one of many topics discussed with Reece in a wide ranging interview. Visit here to read the full interview.
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Raiders Seeing Inconsistent Play From Geno Smith
The Raiders have dealt with inconsistent quarterback play. Geno Smith has passed for 16 touchdowns but also thrown 14 interceptions this season. Heâs been ruled out for Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles, with Kenny Pickett set to start. Reece added that a quarterback competition would be healthy for the team.
“(Smith’s) been struggling this year with his voice and playing on the field, which happens,” Reece said. “I think you need to create a quarterback competition. Bring someone in there that can push (Smith) and also someone (Smith) can push.
“Competition is healthy. Competition brings greatness out of people. I believe there has to be a quarterback competition. I don’t know who that guy is right now, whether it is someone in the draft or free agency but there has to be a quarterback competition.”
Pete Caroll on the Hot Seat With Four Games Left
The Raiders and head coach Pete Carroll dismissed offensive coordinator Chip Kelly after just 11 games into his first season in Las Vegas. With the Raidersâ offense ranking among the leagueâs worst, attention has now shifted to Carroll and whether Mark Davis will keep him on staff. With his seat heating up, Reece said Carroll needs to finish the season strong.
“I think Pete made a quick decision,” Reece said. “The organization made a quick decision on Chip. And if you feel that strongly about it, you should make that decision and it should be as soon as necessary because you have to start the process of change relatively quickly.
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 31: (L-R) Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Marcel Reece of the Las Vegas Raiders, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, sportscaster Jim Gray and Raiders owner and managing general partner and Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis watch players warm up during halftime of a game between the Connecticut Sun and the Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on May 31, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“When you have a defensive star like Maxx Crosby on the football field, you want to make sure you can maximize his prime. And in order to maximize that, you have to start winning games. The Raiders are gonna have to start winning games pretty soon here and Mark Davis loves to win. He was raised by the man who coined, ‘Just win, baby!”
“I believe there will be some changes. There has to be some changes because what’s happening now hasn’t been working.”
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