The NFL Draft was hosted in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from April 23-26. The Las Vegas Raiders made multiple selections in the draft, but there are some key players that the Raiders drafted that stand out from the rest.
The Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the draft. Mendoza, the senior quarterback from Indiana University, finished last season with 3535 yards, 41 touchdowns and a 72% completion percentage.
Mendoza makes it known to the public that he is proud to be a Raider, and he is eager to prepare for the upcoming season.
“There’s a lot of anticipation coming to this pick, but now I’m really glad that all of the outside noise is done. I’m officially a Raider. I’m excited to be humble and hungry and get to work,” Mendoza.
The Raiders selected running back Mike Washington Jr. in the fourth round of the draft. Washington, the junior from the University of Arkansas, finished last season with 1070 yards, 9 touchdowns and 226 receiving yards.
Washington gives his humble opinion about competing for the starting running back spot, as he informs fans that the results of him not getting on the field may not be immediate, but they will eventually come.
“It may not happen instantly, but the storm will always be lurking. And when it comes, good luck getting out of it,” says Washington.
The Raiders selected cornerback Jermod McCoy in the fourth round of the draft. McCoy, the Sophomore from the University of Tennessee, finished last season with 26 solo tackles, 18 assisted tackles and 4 interceptions.
McCoy expresses his gratitude for the Raiders taking a chance on him in the late rounds of the draft. He may have to have another surgery on his knee which will affect his ability to play football. His past surgery affected his draft stock, so he is extremely grateful for the Raiders giving him a chance.
“I was prepared for whatever happened, but, I mean, I would’ve been excited to go higher, for sure, because, I mean, I had a good pro day, ran some good times and just did good things like that,” says McCoy.
