The leader of these plans will no doubt be figuring out a plan with the team leader.
While Spytek didn’t mention Mendoza, he did describe the qualities he looks for in a franchise QB.
“A leader and someone tough as hell,” Spytek said. “Someone who loves to play football, crazy preparation. Obviously someone who can throw the ball well, but I think just someone who loves the game and will give everything for his teammates… I think it takes a lot of humility and selflessness to play this position at a high level.”
In the eyes and opinions of many, Mendoza has those qualities in spades, having displayed them while leading the Indians to a national title last season.
“Mendoza is a very accurate thrower with great size, toughness and athleticism,” NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah wrote of the QB on his Top 50 list, with Mendoza ranked No. 1. “He’s insanely tough, hangs in the pocket regularly and absorbs big hits.
While most have Mendoza penciled in to be the No. 1 name off the board, Spytek doesn’t necessarily believe in having a rookie on the field in Week 1.
“I think you want to limit the pressure you have on that guy from the start,” he said. “Now, if you have a young quarterback, I’m not necessarily in favor of running him out right away, so (you want) another quality player who can play the quarterback position.”
Smith, who suffered a high ankle sprain at the end of the Raiders’ 3-14 season in which he had a league-worst 17 interceptions, could potentially be that “quality” QB to help onboard Mendoza. However, it seems more likely that Smith is leaving Las Vegas.