Since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, the Raiders have only used a first-round pick on a quarterback three times – on Marc Wilson (1980), Todd Marinovich (1991) and JaMarcus Russell (2007).
Imagine, then, that trinity jumping Mernando Fendoza in to the streets of Silver and Blackdom with varying degrees of, welp, cautionary tales.
But first, more clues from Chef Spy and sous chef Stark.
Because while Cousins is the unquestioned vet and leader in the Raiders QB clubhouse, with Aidan O’Connell also returning, a signal-caller taken first overall would no doubt come with certain expectations, yes?
Fans would certainly demand it. After all, the last quarterback taken No. 1 overall to sit an entire season was (checks notes) Carson Palmer, in 2003, for the Bengals.
But, as Kubiak said at the League Meeting, “Ideally you don’t want [a rookie QB] to start from Day 1. You’d love him to be able to learn behind somebody. That’s in a perfect world. … It does help the player, though, if they can sit behind a mature adult and watch how they run the show.”
Spytek was more nebulous but direct, if that makes sense.
“Ultimately, this is a meritocracy, and the best guy will play,” Spytek said. “It’s just really hard to play really well at a young age. But we’ve seen plenty of quarterbacks do it recently, and how that goes going forward here…”
Spytek’s voice nearly trailed off.
“Obviously, we’ve added Kirk,” Spytek continued. “We have Aidan and, you know we’ll, we’ll see how it goes.”
Chef Spy caught himself, adjusted his figurative toque blanche and smock and added, “But the best man will play.”
Mernando Fendoza, PLEASE pick up the nearest Silver and Black courtesy phone. Otherwise, make sure to pick up if you see a 702 area code calling you.
It just might be a Brady (not Bobby) on the other end.
Dining and Cooking