The NFL's annual version of its "Underwear Olympics" are in full swing in Indianapolis. But more impressive than anyone's flighty 40-time on the turf of Lucas Oil Stadium is the speed with which stories, content, propaganda and the like are produced by the combine's ever-churning rumor mill.
The Raiders are on the collective minds and lips of the assembled. Owning the No. 1 overall draft pick, boasting nearly $100 million in salary cap space and having hired a new coach, who is fresh off a Super Bowl victory, tends to do that.
A look, then, at three storylines that had the Raiders at the Silver and Black center of the football universe this week in Middle America.
1. The Raiders control the draft, meaning what, exactly?
For the first time since 2007, the Raiders hold the top pick. And sitting there for the taking is college football's feel-good story - Heisman winner and National Champion Fernando Mendoza, the first QB with such a pedigree since Joe Burrow in 2019. And yes, the Raiders need a franchise quarterback.
The stars seem aligned. The pick seems obvious. It's a no-brainer, what with Mendoza's skillset a seeming natural fit with new coach Klint Kubiak's offensive scheme, right?
What, you thought Kubiak and second-year Raiders general manager John Spytek were just going to give the masses their pick, some two months before the draft?
Meh, they toed the line. And then some.
"A leader, tough as hell, somebody that loves to play football, maniacal preparer," Spytek said at the podium when asked what he wants in a franchise quarterback. "Obviously, somebody that can throw the ball well but, I think, just somebody that loves the game and will give everything [to] their teammate. A selfless person, somebody that's going to give their team everything that they got, every time that they're out there. Prepare the right way, lead the right way. I think there's a great humility and selflessness required to play that position at a high level."
Have you seen any of Mendoza's interviews? Did you watch his epic 4th-and-5 quarterback draw up the gut for a 12-yard touchdown in the title game against Miami?
Remember when Raiders Owner Mark Davis said a few years back he hoped then-incoming minority owner Tom Brady would not only help the team choose a QB, but also help train him?
Spytek was asked about Brady's potential influence, too.
"I mean, he's the best ever to do it," Spytek said of Brady. "So, I think whoever the quarterback is that's playing for the Raiders has a unique opportunity to learn from the best. And Tom has got a lot of humility to him … just because he did a certain way, he doesn't have expectations that you do it all that way, too.
"But there are some things that he's uncompromising on. And I think whoever the quarterback is for the Raiders, I think Tom is a great resource for them."
Whoever the quarterback is for the Raiders?
Spytek was being coy. Kinda.
Kubiak? He spoke directly of the QB when asked specifically about Mendoza.
"Excited to keep learning about him, and it's not just me, it's our entire coaching staff," Kubiak told a small group of beat reporters in Indianapolis. "I want all our coaches to get involved, especially at that position. I want everybody's input. … Obviously, he's been successful. He had a lot of success last year."
Yeah, like going 16-0 and leading Indiana to the Hoosiers' first national title, while showcasing all those skills - physical and mental - of which Spytek spoke.