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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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Ashton Jeanty is gearing up for his sophomore season as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders and getting a first-hand look at the team's rookie quarterback, Fernando Mendoza.
The Raiders won the Mendoza sweepstakes, as they owned the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, allowing them to add what could be a quarterback who brings much future success to the franchise.
While sitting down with NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Michael Robinson at training camp, Jeanty spoke about what he's seen from Mendoza so far and the difference he's noted in the rookie QB's growth between OTAs and now.
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"I think the biggest difference is the game's slowing down for him. He's going through his reads now; he's getting the ball out quick, and I mean, just today in that two-minute, he's kinda getting the guys going, letting them know, 'We gotta make these plays right here,' and obviously he backed it up and we won the two-minute today in practice," Jeanty said.
More news: Fernando Mendoza Reveals How Raiders QB Kirk Cousins is Helping Him
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Jeanty admitted he believes Mendoza is demonstrating he can be vocal as a future leader of the team. He said the rookie QB is also putting in hard work to "be that example" and have a "presence" on the field.
He comes in with a solid resume, including winning last year's Heisman Trophy in college football and leading the Indiana Hoosiers to the College Football Playoff National Championship. Mendoza threw for 3,535 passing yards and 41 touchdowns with just six interceptions to highlight his excellent junior season.
After success at Indiana, he's heading into some new territory with a Raiders team that won just three games last season. Based on the over/under for win totals, Las Vegas is expected to double that number of wins in the coming season.
They could definitely become a strong future contender with Mendoza as their leader and Jeanty at running back. In his 17 games as a rookie with the Raiders, Jeanty had 975 rushing yards and five touchdowns. While receiving, he had 346 yards and five touchdowns, and his numbers seem likely to increase in the coming season.
While Jeanty is a significant part of the Raiders' offense, Mendoza may have to wait a bit before he's on the field, as he's still second to veteran Kirk Cousins on the depth chart. Time will tell when he gets his first meaningful time in the regular season.
More news: Ja’Marr Chase Reveals Major NFL Record He Wants to Break With Bengals
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