Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza taking advice from surprising source at camp

As Fernando Mendoza has been getting settled into his first NFL Training Camp, the Raiders are hoping he can be for their offense what Maxx Crosby is for their defense.According to Levi Damien of The Raiders Wire, Crosby has been a major help in developing Mendoza as the future leader of the Raiders.“He’s a fantastic competitor.The intellect that he’s been able to give me and the advice,” Mendoza said of Crosby.

“Everyone has seen how much he’s grown since his rookie year to now being the All-Pro [caliber] superstar that he is.The little bits of wisdom.”Crosby is about to enter his eighth season in the NFL and has experienced everything the league has to offer.

He’s been to the playoffs, he’s endured losing seasons, dealt with injuries, and even dealt with almost being traded.In March, Crosby was almost traded to the Baltimore Ravens, but after a failed physical, he was sent back to Las Vegas.Since coming back, Crosby put all trade speculations to rest and has been focused on remaining a Raider.It’s no secret the level of importance Crosby has to the Raiders organization.He is third on the team’s all-time sack leaderboard with 69.5 career sacks.He’s also one of three players on the roster, and the only one on defense, that were a part of the team’s relocation from Oakland to Las Vegas.

Maybe most importantly, Crosby is the captain of the defense.“I understand that defensive end and quarterback are two different positions, but the mentality of attacking, and being a leader of the team, and growing within your career are the same,” Mendoza said of Crosby.“So I really look up to him and any bits of advice that he’s given me, I’ve taken to heart.”For over 20 years, the quarterback position has been a revolving carousel for the Raiders, as they’ve been in a drought at the position.Last April, the Raiders drafted Mendoza with the No.1 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft; they became hopeful that he could help reshape the team’s offense...