While Fernando Mendoza was the headline pick for Las Vegas, there’s been a quieter addition that might have just as much impact. Free agent running back Alexander Mattison has joined the roster on a one-year deal, following his release from Minnesota earlier this spring.
Mattison spent five years with the Vikings, taking over as the starter after Dalvin Cook left. In his one season in that role, he ran for 700 yards and three touchdowns while also catching three more scores. However, by the end of last season, Ty Chandler had taken over much of Mattison’s workload.
Now, with Zamir White set to be the lead back in Las Vegas following Josh Jacobs’ departure to Green Bay, Mattison steps into a backup role once again.
Running backs will need patience behind Kubiak’s early passing Focus
Mendoza wasn’t ready to become an NFL starter this quickly under normal circumstances. He needs time and patience to build up his confidence while learning Kubiak’s playbook from scratch.
Kubiak is likely going to lean heavily on the pass early in the season while Mendoza gets comfortable. That means backs like White and Mattison may not see consistent touches until later in games when leads need protecting or clocks need managing.
Mendoza’s first challenge is physical, not mental
Kubiak’s system is built around run action, timing throws and smooth sequencing, so even a small slip-up can throw things off. Mendoza was taken first overall for his college production, but how quickly he adapts to playing on time from a new launch point will determine when the offence starts to click.
“We have a firehose of information coming in at this point,” Mendoza said. “I think the first two steps are huge. Those details are going to separate you in this offense.”
Las Vegas has built an offence that can support him
ESPN’s post-draft analysis focused on the setup around Mendoza, and it’s a fair point. Las Vegas put together an attack with Brock Bowers, young receivers, a stronger line, and a system built to lean on the run game instead of putting it all on the rookie’s shoulders.
The Athletic also pointed out how much extra film study and footwork work Mendoza had already begun. The aim isn’t to turn him into a pure pocket passer but rather to make sure the offense can use every part of its playbook, not just rely on shotgun sets.
Mendoza understands where his growth starts
By early May, Mendoza was speaking openly about the challenge of learning to play under centre in Klint Kubiak’s system. It’s a shift that highlights just how different quarterbacking in the NFL can feel compared to college spread offences.
NFL.com noted that Mendoza took more snaps under centre during rookie minicamp than he did throughout his entire college career. It is not a trivial detail – it is exactly where the steepest part of his development curve begins.
The rookie question is really about pace
Mendoza was the first overall pick because of his athletic talent. But if he is going to look like a No. 1 quarterback, it will be more about whether he can turn into a player who understands the timing and rhythm of the position at this level.
By taking him first overall, Las Vegas sent a clear message that they believe he has all the tools to become that type of quarterback. Now, they’re building an environment designed to give him every chance to develop at the right speed.
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