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Evaluations and Rankings of 2026 NFL Draft Quarterback Prospects

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2026 NFL Draft Quarterback Class: Evaluations and Projections

Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, league coaches and media analysts have released evaluations of the quarterback class. The consensus top prospect is Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, with several other quarterbacks projected across various rounds. The class is not considered historically strong, with attention reportedly turning to 2027 prospects.

Top-Ranked Prospects

Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) is consistently ranked as the top quarterback prospect.

The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner led Indiana to a 16-0 record and a national championship. During that season, he recorded 41 touchdown passes against six interceptions, with 3,535 passing yards and a 72% completion rate. NFL coaches cited strengths including accuracy, arm strength, work ethic, and disciplined footwork. Concerns include questions about his linear athleticism and how his skills from a shotgun-heavy, RPO-based offense will translate. He is widely projected to be the first overall selection.

Ty Simpson (Alabama) is generally ranked as the second-best prospect.

In his one season as Alabama's starter in 2025, he threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Coaches cited his high football IQ, processing ability, and timing as strengths. Concerns noted include his limited starting experience (15 games), some physical limitations, and a reported decline in performance against top competition. He is projected as a first or second-round pick.

Carson Beck (Miami), who previously played at Georgia, is ranked third by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.

In 2025, he passed for 3,813 yards and 30 touchdowns with a 72.4% completion rate. Coaches noted his intelligence, pocket navigation, and experience (three full seasons as a starter) as strengths. Concerns cited include marginal athleticism, inconsistent decision-making, and turnover issues, with a game-ending interception in the national championship frequently mentioned.

Other Notable Prospects

  • Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) is ranked in the top five by multiple sources. His 2025 season was impacted by injury and a coaching change, resulting in 1,927 passing yards and five touchdowns in nine games. In 2024, he threw for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. Coaches described him as a natural thrower and smart player, but expressed concerns about size, decision-making, and injury history. He is viewed as a developmental prospect.

  • Drew Allar (Penn State) is typically ranked in the top five. He missed the latter part of the 2025 season with a broken ankle. Coaches cited his big frame, arm strength, and intelligence as strengths, while noting concerns about inconsistent accuracy, an unusual throwing motion, and limited mobility. He is projected as a mid-round developmental pick.

  • Cole Payton (North Dakota State), also referred to as Jack Payton or Jaylen Payton in different sources, is a dual-threat quarterback. He recorded a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. In his senior season, he accounted for 3,496 total yards and 29 total touchdowns, completing 72% of his passes for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns. Coaches praised his athleticism and toughness but cited concerns about passing accuracy and level of competition. He is viewed as a mid-round prospect with potential to contribute on special teams.

  • Taylen Green (Arkansas), also referred to as Jayden Green or KJ Green, is another dual-threat quarterback. He recorded a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Over his collegiate career at Boise State and Arkansas, he accumulated over 12,000 total yards and 94 total touchdowns. Analysts project him as a fourth-round pick or later, noting he is a developmental prospect who needs to improve as a pocket passer.

Additional Prospects in Consideration

Several other quarterbacks were mentioned across the evaluations:

  • Jaxson Altmyer (Illinois) threw for 3,007 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2025 and is considered a Day 3 selection.
  • Cade Klubnik (Clemson) amassed over 10,000 career passing yards but saw a decline in production in 2025; he is noted as effective in play-action but inconsistent.
  • Jax Robertson (Baylor) led the Big 12 with 3,681 passing yards and 31 touchdowns in 2025 but is viewed as a late-round prospect.
  • Joe Fagnano (UConn) had a breakout 2025 season with 3,448 yards and 28 touchdowns as a seventh-year senior.
  • Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt), the Heisman runner-up, threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2025; concerns center on his size (5'10") and offensive system.

Class Context

The 2026 quarterback class was initially viewed as promising, but several highly-touted prospects experienced disappointing seasons.

NFL coaches who evaluated the group have noted it is not considered a historically strong class, with attention already turning to the quarterback prospects eligible for the 2027 draft.