Maxx Crosby details plan to mentor Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders used the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft on Fernando Mendoza. With a new rookie quarterback joining the roster, the organization should be going all in to develop the former Indiana Hoosier. Shortly after the draft concluded, superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby claimed he had already spoken to Mendoza and revealed his plan to help him grow in the NFL.

In the latest episode of “The Rush” with Maxx Crosby, the 28-year-old edge rusher explained how excited he is to have Mendoza as a teammate. Crosby revealed he reached out to the Raiders’ rookie on draft night, and opened up about the advice he plans on giving Mendoza as the summer unfolds.

“I know everybody’s fired up that he’s part of our team now,” said Crosby about Mendoza. “I had the chance to have a great conversation with him when he came on his visit. I got to chop it up with him a little bit, and then on draft night, got on FaceTime and talked to him.

“We’ve been texting back and forth ever since. I’m really fired up for him, excited to take him under my wing and help him out, show him the way, and just encourage him to be himself and lead in his own way,” continued Corsby. “So, fired up for him and his family. I know it was a big moment.”

While Crosby aims to help mentor the 2025-26 Heisman Trophy winner, the Raiders have seemingly already done a good job of building a foundation for Mendoza to succeed. While the roster still likely needs improvements, the Raiders’ front office did sign Kirk Cousins to a five-year, $172 million contract (which works more like a one-year, $20 million deal).

Cousins can serve as a sort of extra quarterback coach with his 14 years of experience under his belt. He can also challenge Fernando Mendoza to perform his best from the very jump.