3 & Out - Fernando Mendoza preps for Raiders, Dexter Lawrence requests Giants trade, Lamar Jackson attending Ravens OTAs

What’s on deck today? Sunny Los Angeles check-in, quick housekeeping—mailbag on Fugazi Friday, hit subscribe—and then a fast run through Mendoza, Lamar, draft dilemmas, and front-office chess.

What did the Raiders’ sit-down with Fernando Mendoza really mean? When you already know he’s the top pick, the visit turns into onboarding; Brian Griese is reportedly teaching him the Shanahan-Kubiak language, and with his processing and tools he should edge out Kirk Cousins while still benefiting from Kirk’s mentorship.

Why do teams stage quirky visit moments like Topgolf or whiteboard blitzes? It’s to read wiring and leadership under pressure, but once the pick is locked, you coach for rookie camp instead of quizzing for a job interview.

Will Mendoza attend the draft? He’s expected to stay home, which I respect given family logistics, even if I still think the big-stage moment is unforgettable.

How hot is the quarterback class? It feels light beyond the clear number one, which cools the overall buzz.

Are the comps fair? Mendoza as a more athletic Jared Goff tracks, but pushing Ty Simpson into round one off a Purdy-style comp ignores the economics and pressure that come with first-round quarterbacks.

Who’s steering Minnesota’s draft? Coaches more than a classic GM, which can work but also skews evaluations when scheme preferences trump blue-chip traits.

What’s the temperature on contract standoffs? Big earners like Dexter Lawrence want raises now, and trades are messy because any buyer still has to fund the bump; a strong, veteran head coach can steady this stuff.

Could Miami flip or extend De’Von Achane? He’s so explosive he might fetch first-round-level value, but the smarter play is to pay him and avoid drama.

Did Lamar Jackson show for spring work? Yes, and it matters—skipping would burn real money, and with a new install and sky-high expectations, the Ravens will go as far as he takes them.

Should a team take Jeremiah Love in the top five? He looks like the total package, but positional value and Robert Saleh’s view of defensive linemen as weapons make a trench star at four very tempting.

How do you break that tie? If grades are close you ride with the premium position; if Love is clearly the best player on your board, you take him and live with it.

Why is draft night wild? You’re betting on people, not parts; the Lions’ joy over Jahmyr Gibbs paid off, while a talent like James Pierce shows how off-field risk can flip a narrative overnight.

Where’s the line with broadcasters and teams? Tom Brady’s dual roles blurred it, Troy Aikman admitted he could share intel others never hear, and I expect more clubs to quietly retain media insiders unless the league steps in.

What happens if those teams start winning? Coaches may shut down access fast because nobody wants to gift strategy to voices who moonlight for a rival.

Anything else? That’s the show—keep an eye on the media-intel arms race, enjoy your day, adios, talk soon.