The Las Vegas Raiders are poised to make Fernando Mendoza their selection at number one overall in the draft. A pick like that suggests they see him as their long term franchise quarterback. The question is just when that begins. According to NFL media's Ian Rapoport, the Raiders would prefer to wait, calling it the 'best case scenario' that Kirk Cousins starts this season while Mendoza sits and develops.

From NFL Draft Kickoff on @NFLNetwork: The #Raiders, QB Fernando Mendoza and what to expect early on... pic.twitter.com/NX9WFJrp4S

Several times Raiders brass has been asked the hypothetical question of starting a rookie quarterback. And the response has been that they'd prefer not to do that. But that's kind of the thing they should say. Especially when trying to lure a proven veteran to sign with them as they did with Cousins.

If they were to say right away that they were set on starting a rookie, Cousins would feel like he didn't have a legitimate shot at the job. He may have a legitimate shot and if he plays up to the level we know he can, then he probably would deserve it. Then if he continues to play well enough to win games, the Raiders wouldn't exactly bench him and give up the hot hand.

So, yeah, you can see why that might be the best case scenario.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Report: Raiders 'best case scenario' Fernando Mendoza sits rookie season