Raiders Podcast Network

Klint Kubiak, head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, former NFL assistant turned leader. He talks roster construction, coaching hires and building a 3-4 defensive identity. He discusses quarterback evaluations, Ashton Jeanty’s role as a three-down back, the NFL Combine prep, and blending veteran coaches with young staff.

Ian Rapoport, NFL Network insider known for breaking league news, discusses Klint Kubiak’s stealthy hiring and how Las Vegas stayed disciplined to land him. He covers Kubiak building a trusted coaching staff and the addition of Andrew Giannoco. Rapoport also updates Maxx Crosby’s injury, rehab timeline and how the team might court and retain the star pass rusher.

John Spitek, Las Vegas Raiders GM focused on player evaluation and team-building. He explains why his draft process stays the same even with the No. 1 pick. He highlights intangibles like humility, passion and leadership. He praises Klint Kubiak’s development work, discusses Maxx Crosby’s status and how Tom Brady can serve as a quarterback resource.

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL analyst and draft expert known for Combine scouting, breaks down Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with a mini-bio: accurate, poised, and battle-tested from the transfer portal. He also highlights top edge rushers to pair with Max Crosby and explains why day-two pass rushers and roster moves matter for a team’s identity.

John Spytek, Las Vegas Raiders general manager known for roster-building focus, speaks from the 2026 Combine. He discusses how evaluation has shifted since NIL and COVID, what defines a franchise quarterback, balancing veteran mentors with young talent, and internal draft tools and processes. He also covers offensive line strategy, Tom Brady’s input, and how medicals at the Combine can change plans.

A deep dive into Fernando Mendoza as a potential No. 1 overall pick and his Heisman-winning season. Discussion of his on-field traits like arm strength, accuracy, toughness and mobility. Exploration of leadership, locker-room fit, preparation habits and mental processing. Comparison to established franchise quarterbacks and evaluation of the broader quarterback class and draft timeline.

"First Stop: Indy" is back for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discussion of Klint Kubiak’s offensive vision and how it shapes player roles. Conversation about his run-first philosophy, play-action usage, and the types of quarterbacks who thrive in his system. Exploration of family coaching influences and real-world examples from recent teams. Draft implications and why Fernando Mendoza might fit this offensive approach.

Bucky Brooks and Rhett Lewis return for Season 4 of “The Raiders NFL Draft Podcast.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Gutierrez is joined by Jim Plunkett and Jason Horowitz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.