The Las Vegas Raiders officially closed the book on rookie minicamp Sunday, concluding the first real on-field gathering for the team's 2026 draft class and undrafted free agents. Held at the Raiders' Henderson facility, the three-day session was the first opportunity for head coach Klint Kubiak and his staff to evaluate their newest additions in pads-free settings and begin installing fundamental concepts of the offense and defense.
While minicamp is only a preliminary step--no pads, no live contact, and a playbook that is still very much an introduction--it provides crucial first impressions. For a franchise undergoing a retooling phase under first-year general manager John Spytek, those impressions carry significant weight.
Here are the key takeaways from Day 3, the final day of the Raiders' rookie minicamp.
Fernando Mendoza Shows Poise in Final Session
Undrafted rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza drew the most attention over the weekend, being one of the more intriguing storylines of this rookie class--not because of draft pedigree but due to the clear developmental opportunity in front of him.
With veteran Kirk Cousins entrenched as the starter and Aidan O'Connell holding the primary backup role, Mendoza is competing for a developmental spot--likely a practice squad designation to begin his NFL career. His performance over the three days helped his case.
Reports from the sessions indicate Mendoza demonstrated improved command of the offense as the weekend progressed. On Day 3 specifically, he showed increased rhythm in the short-to-intermediate passing game, hitting receivers on timing routes and displaying a sharper ability to work through progressions--a facet that had been inconsistent earlier in the camp.
Mendoza's arm strength has never been questioned. Rather, the Raiders coaching staff wanted to see his processing speed and ability to operate from under center, a staple of Kubiak's offensive system. By Sunday, Mendoza appeared far more comfortable than he did on Day 1, which is exactly the progression the staff hopes for from a young quarterback absorbing an NFL playbook for the first time.
It is important to remember that minicamp is a highly controlled environment--no pass rush and defensive backs playing with limited coverage abilities. Still, Mendoza's ability to make correct reads and deliver accurate passes consistently was a positive indicator for a Raiders quarterback room that values developmental depth behind Cousins.
Day 3 Standouts Among the Draft Class
Beyond Mendoza, several Raiders draft picks stood out during the final session.
Running back Ashton Jeanty, the team's first-round selection, continued to flash the explosive traits that made him one of the most dynamic playmakers in the 2026 draft. During individual drills on Day 3, Jeanty showed the burst and lateral agility that scouts raved about, making sharp cuts during change-of-direction exercises. Though the Raiders did not run any team scrimmage periods--standard for minicamp--Jeanty's route-running from the backfield was a focal point. He caught multiple short passes and exhibited the quickness to turn upfield, a skill set that should complement the team's downfield passing attack.
Wide receiver Jack Bech, a mid-round pick, had one of the more consistent performances among the pass-catchers. In Sunday's sessions, he was the primary target during the final red-zone installation period, hauling in several contested catches in tight coverage. At 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, Bech has the frame to be a physical presence in the slot, and his ability to high-point the football shone through.
Defensive back Darien Porter, another mid-round addition, showed good ball skills on Day 3 drills. He broke up a pass during a 7-on-7 drill and demonstrated smooth hip fluidity on backpedals and transitions. With the Raiders continuing to build depth behind established starters Taron Johnson and Jeremy Chinn, Porter's early glimpses are encouraging.
Defensive Installation Takes Shape Early
While much of the preseason attention gravitates toward offensive skill positions, the defensive installation under coordinator Rob Leonard was a key storyline over the three days.
On Sunday, the rookies mastered a full blitz installation period--an element typically introduced later in training camp for most teams. The coaching staff's decision to introduce this concept in minicamp suggests a desire to challenge the mental capacity of young defenders early.
Linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr., an undrafted free agent from Georgia, stood out during these blitz periods. His ability to diagnose run fits and communicate adjustments pre-snap was noted as being ahead of schedule for a rookie. With veterans Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker anchoring the linebacker room, Sorey will likely need to carve out a role on special teams to secure a roster spot, but his football IQ appears to be a genuine asset.
Defensive lineman JJ Pegues also earned praise for his versatility. Primarily a nose tackle during his college career, Pegues showed comfort lining up at multiple positions along the defensive front during minicamp runs. Leonard's scheme emphasizes positional flexibility, and Pegues' ability to play both the 1-technique and 3-technique could be vital in carving out a role.
Special Teams Focus Early
Special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis was active throughout the minicamp, spending significant time with rookies on punt coverage and kick return techniques. While early camps commonly emphasize fundamentals in special teams, DeCamillis' level of detail and intensity on Day 3 was notable.
Jeanty took reps as a punt returner, while Porter also participated in return drills. After inconsistent special teams play in 2025, the Raiders' early investment in rookie fundamentals signals that roster spots on coverage and return teams will be earned through performance, not given by default.
Long snapper Alex Ward and kicker Matt Gay were not part of the rookie minicamp--these sessions were reserved exclusively for rookies--but the team did evaluate undrafted specialists in controlled settings.
Looking Ahead
With rookie minicamp behind them, the Raiders now focus on the remainder of the offseason program. Organized team activities (OTAs) are scheduled to begin later this month, followed by mandatory minicamp in June. That is when the rookies will integrate with the full roster, and the real competition for 53-man roster spots begins.
For Mendoza and the rest of the draft class, this weekend was the opening chapter in a much longer story. No jobs were won or lost in this non-padded minicamp, but first impressions matter. Players who showed the ability to absorb information quickly and compete using the physical tools necessary to survive at the NFL level have gained a head start.
The Raiders, after significant roster turnover--including Kirk Cousins settling in at quarterback, Jeanty anchoring the backfield, and defensive upgrades like Kwity Paye and Quay Walker--are prioritizing getting rookies up to speed rapidly. Based on what emerged during the minicamp, early returns are positive.
The true evaluation begins once pads go on. But for one weekend in May, the Raiders' future was on display in Henderson, and there are many reasons for optimism as the team builds toward the 2026 season.