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NEW YORK – Mark Davis understands the anticipation surrounding Fernando Mendoza.
As the first pick in the NFL draft and the future face of the Raiders organization, Mendoza is the most valuable asset the franchise has held in decades.
And this curiosity around him reflects that from the fanbase to just about everyone in the NFL.
The Raiders owner shares it, too.
He sees the work habits, the curiosity and the competitive streak. He understands why a fan base searching for a long-term answer at quarterback wants to get a longer look at the rookie entrusted with becoming one.
But enthusiasm will not put Davis in charge of the depth chart.
As he has throughout his ownership tenure, Davis intends to leave football decisions to his football decision makers. That includes determining when Mendoza is ready to take over for Kirk Cousins.
For now, the assignment is to learn, develop and make the most of having an experienced quarterback in front of him.
“I love his work ethic,” Davis said during an exclusive interview with The Post on Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings. “I love that he’s like a sponge in terms of learning.”
There is more.
“He wants to be the greatest. He enjoys the game, he’s competitive,” Davis said. “Everything you think of, he’s got.”
Luckily for him, the GOAT is in the building. Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion, is a minority owner of the franchise.
Then came the owner’s smiling acknowledgment that the most important evaluation still happens between the lines.
“If he can play football, he’s going to be great,” Davis said.
Mendoza has already offered a glimpse, making his NFL debut against the Patriots. But a glimpse and a full-time starting assignment are different things, and the Raiders’ approach reflects the importance of preparing him for the latter.
In many ways Mendoza is that big present sitting under the Christmas tree. You pass by it each day counting the days until you can finally open it.
But as Davis said, you’re also wondering what exactly is inside.
The trick is resisting the urge to tear through the wrapping before the time is right in order to help make sure the gift ultimately delivers on the intrigue.
Cousins helps make that possible.
Asked about the veteran quarterback, Davis offered an emphatic endorsement.
“Fantastic,” he said. “Couldn’t be better.”
His appreciation goes beyond Cousins’ presence as a resource for Mendoza. Davis has been impressed by the way the veteran processes the game and competes within it.
“Just watching him play, he sees the field really well,” Davis said. “He goes to his first, second and third reads very consistently, very fast. And he’s a tough SOB. He wants to win.”
Those are useful traits in a starting quarterback and valuable habits for a rookie to observe.
With the Raiders at 3-3, the organization is trying to balance competing now with preparing for what comes next. Cousins gives them an experienced option to handle the present while Mendoza works toward becoming the future.
The transition will eventually become the franchise’s defining football decision.
Davis is eager to see the result. He just does not intend to dictate the date.
The people responsible for developing Mendoza will also be responsible for deciding when he is ready.
