Fernando Mendoza hopes to improve poor debuts by QBs taken No. 1 overall

Published November 15, 2026 01:32 PM With former Raiders starting quarterback Kirk Cousins currently playing for the Vikings, rookie Fernando Mendoza — the first overall pick in the draft — will make his first career start on Sunday against the Seahawks.History doesn’t reflect well on the endeavor.Via NBC Sports research, quarterbacks taken No. 1 overall haven’t fared well in their first career starts. Their combined record, since the 1970 merger, is 5-23-1.The only No. 1 overall picks to win their first starts since the merger were Caleb Williams in 2024, David Carr in 2002, Mike Vick in 2001, John Elway in 1983, and Jim Plunkett in 1971.Elway’s win carries an asterisk; he was benched during his first start after completing one of eight passes for 14 yards and an interception and taking a sack at Pittsburgh. The Broncos, fueled by Steve DeBerg completing four of eight passes for 35 yards and a touchdown, won the game 14-10.Mendoza is also the first quarterback to make his debut against the defending Super Bowl champions since Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert in 2020 against the Chiefs. (Herbert lost, 23-20.)