The countdown to the NFL Draft 2026 has officially begun, with the league preparing to descend upon Pittsburgh on April 23. For franchises struggling to find a franchise cornerstone, the central question remains: NFL Draft 2026: ¿Quiénes son los mejores quarterbacks este año? Whereas the talent pool is deep, scouts and executives are grappling with a class defined by a few standout stars and a wide array of “project” players who offer high ceilings but significant risks.
This year’s cycle is characterized by a sharp divide. On one complete, there are polished winners who have already tasted national glory; on the other, athletic anomalies and late bloomers who have dominated smaller conferences. The volatility of the position is evident, as several top-tier prospects saw their stock fluctuate wildly during the 2025 college season due to injuries or inconsistent play.
The current landscape suggests that while the demand for quarterbacking talent will remain insatiable, the actual quality of the mid-to-late round options is a point of contention among AFC and NFC scouts. The focus has shifted toward versatility—the ability to operate both under center and from the shotgun—and the mental fortitude to handle the pressure of a professional locker room.
The Frontrunners: Heisman Glory and Tactical Precision
Fernando Mendoza has emerged as the definitive favorite to lead this class. After transferring to Indiana from Cal, Mendoza orchestrated one of the most dominant seasons in recent memory, earning the Heisman Trophy and guiding the Hoosiers to their first-ever national championship. His statistical profile is staggering: 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions.
Mendoza is praised for his energy and his ability to navigate complex defensive reads, particularly in the red zone where he recorded 27 touchdowns without a single interception. However, professional evaluators note a critical area for growth: his efficiency drops to 50 percent when forced to throw under real pressure. Having operated almost exclusively from the shotgun, he will need to master under-center mechanics to diversify his NFL game. He is widely viewed as the ideal fit for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Following closely is Ty Simpson of Alabama, a prospect known for his poise and football IQ, likely inherited from his father, head coach Jason Simpson. During a dominant eight-game stretch against top-16 opponents, Simpson threw for 1,954 yards and 19 touchdowns with just one interception. While he possesses an underrated ability to improvise, scouts worry about his tendency to hold the ball too long, often running in circles rather than utilizing his check-down options. The Arizona Cardinals are frequently cited as his best schematic fit.
Then there is Garrett Nussmeier of LSU. After a brilliant 2024 campaign with over 4,000 yards, Nussmeier’s 2025 season was hampered by knee injuries, limiting him to 1,927 yards and 12 touchdowns. Despite the dip in production, his ability to anticipate routes and release the ball quickly remains a high-value asset. He is viewed as a high-floor prospect who could serve as a reliable starter or a long-term luxury backup, potentially fitting well with the Los Angeles Rams.
| Prospect | Projected Range | Ideal NFL Fit | Primary Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fernando Mendoza | Round 1 | Las Vegas Raiders | Big-game poise / Red zone |
| Ty Simpson | Late R1 / Early Day 2 | Arizona Cardinals | Football IQ / Pocket poise |
| Garrett Nussmeier | Late Day 2 / Early Day 3 | Los Angeles Rams | Quick release / Anticipation |
| Carson Beck | Late Day 2 / Early Day 3 | Recent York Jets | Balanced distribution |
| Drew Allar | Day 2 / Day 3 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Arm strength / Prototype size |
The Mid-Round Value: High Ceiling, High Risk
For teams looking for value in the second and third rounds, the focus shifts to players like Carson Beck and Drew Allar. Beck, who transferred from Georgia to Miami, recovered much of his value by finishing his collegiate career with 3,813 yards and 30 touchdowns. While he is a rhythmic passer with a high completion percentage, his performance plummets when the pocket collapses, making him a candidate for a team with a strong offensive line, such as the New York Jets.
Drew Allar possesses the prototypical size and arm strength that NFL general managers crave. However, his trajectory was derailed by a severe ankle injury that sidelined him for much of his final campaign. Despite showing recovery and strength at the NFL Scouting Combine, questions linger about his accuracy, which ranked near the bottom of the FBS in terms of off-target throws. The Pittsburgh Steelers could be a natural fit for Allar, providing him the environment to polish his technique.
Cole Payton of North Dakota State offers a different profile: the dual-threat weapon. After overcoming a shoulder injury, Payton recorded 3,188 yards and 29 total touchdowns in 2025. His ability to extend plays and his deep-ball touch make him an intriguing prospect for the Green Bay Packers, though his circular throwing mechanics remain a point of concern for scouts.
The Projects: Athletic Anomalies and Late Bloomers
The latter half of the draft will likely be a gamble on raw athleticism. Taylen Green is perhaps the most explosive athlete in the group, recording a historic 4.36-second 40-yard dash. While his passing consistency is erratic and his release time is among the slowest in the FBS, his ability to create explosive plays with his legs is undeniable. He is the type of high-risk, high-reward prospect that the Philadelphia Eagles might target for long-term development.
In contrast, Luke Altmyer of Illinois is viewed as a “distributor”—a quarterback who processes the field quickly and avoids mistakes. With only five interceptions in 2025, Altmyer is a safe, low-turnover option, though he lacks a “cannon” arm. He is seen as a potential durable backup or a system starter for a team like the San Francisco 49ers.
Other notable mentions include Cade Klubnik, whose consistency has wavered, and Sawyer Robertson of Baylor, who possesses a strong vertical game but struggles with decision-making in the fourth quarter. Joe Fagnano of UConn stands out for his efficiency and quick release, though his arm strength is limited, making him a potential late-round target for the Detroit Lions.
The Underdog Story: The Case for Diego Pavia
Perhaps the most polarizing figure in the 2026 class is Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt. A Heisman runner-up who transformed the Vanderbilt program, Pavia is a creative force who excels when the play breaks down. His 9.4 yards per attempt is one of the highest marks in the FBS, reflecting a fearless approach to the deep ball.
However, Pavia faces a steep uphill battle due to his size. Standing under 5 feet 10 inches, he does not fit the traditional NFL mold, and some teams may discard him based on height alone. Despite this, his competitiveness and impact are undeniable. For a team like the Baltimore Ravens, who have a history of valuing mobility and grit over prototype size, Pavia could be a fascinating late-round addition.
As the league moves toward the official draft event in Pittsburgh, the final rankings will likely be shaped by private team visits and medical evaluations. The next major checkpoint for these athletes will be the final team interviews and the official submission of draft boards in mid-April.
Who do you believe is the safest bet for a franchise quarterback in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on our social channels.
