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

This episode of 3 and Out with John Middlekauff dives into several major NFL storylines ahead of the draft and offseason. The discussion centers on Fernando Mendoza's pre-draft visit to the Raiders, where he's being coached on the playbook by former 49ers QB coach Brian Greasy, signaling his likely role as the team's future franchise quarterback. Middlekauff analyzes the unique dynamics of Mendoza’s visit—unlike typical prospect evaluations, Mendoza is effectively already on the team, giving him a significant advantage in preparation. He also critiques the quarterback draft class, comparing Mendoza to Jared Goff and Ty Simpson to Brock Purdy, emphasizing that draft position doesn't determine long-term success. The conversation shifts to Dexter Lawrence’s contract situation with the Giants, highlighting the complexity of player holdouts when a coach like John Harbaugh demands full participation. Middlekauff argues that while Lawrence’s absence is a negotiation tactic, it’s risky given Harbaugh’s no-nonsense culture. He also praises Lamar Jackson for attending Ravens OTAs despite past absences, noting that Jackson’s presence is crucial for team cohesion and leadership. The episode concludes with a provocative take on former players like Troy Aikman advising teams behind the scenes, suggesting this could become a new norm and potentially blur competitive lines across the league.