The 2026 quarterback class is a really interesting evaluation because it is not built on depth, but it does have a wide range of outcomes. At the top, there is a clear franchise-caliber quarterback who separates himself from the rest, and behind him is a mix of steady, pro-ready players and high-upside developmental prospects. This is not a class where every player is polished, but there are multiple quarterbacks with traits, production, and flashes that suggest they can outperform their value in the right situation. Teams looking for upside, especially at the position, are going to find some very intriguing options throughout this group.
1. Fernando Mendoza – Indiana
Mendoza stands out as the clear QB1 in this class and a legitimate franchise quarterback prospect. He may not be the most dynamic athlete, but he moves well enough and shows toughness in the pocket, consistently standing in against pressure to deliver throws. What separates him is how advanced he is mentally. He processes defenses quickly before the snap, identifies coverages, and consistently attacks the right areas of the field without hesitation.
His accuracy and ball placement are elite traits. He throws with anticipation, fits the ball into tight windows, and consistently puts his receivers in position to succeed. He has more than enough arm strength to attack every level of the field, whether it is driving intermediate throws or pushing the ball vertically. On top of that, he takes care of the football at an extremely high level and rarely puts the ball in danger.
Beyond the physical and technical traits, Mendoza’s leadership and performance in big moments truly stand out. He elevated his play against top competition and proved he can deliver when it matters most. There are very few real concerns in his profile, and he checks nearly every box you want in a franchise quarterback.
Value: 1st Overall
2. Ty Simpson – Alabama
Simpson is not the flashiest prospect in this class, but he is one of the more reliable and polished quarterbacks. He wins with timing, structure, and decision-making rather than elite physical tools. His mechanics are clean and repeatable, which allows him to consistently deliver the ball on time. His release is quick, and he does a good job staying on schedule within the offense.
He shows a strong understanding of how to operate an offense, especially before the snap. He communicates protections, identifies defensive looks, and makes the right adjustments. In the pocket, he stays composed, climbs when needed, and keeps his eyes downfield. He is not overly dynamic as an athlete, but he can move enough to extend plays and operate bootlegs.
The limitations come with his physical ceiling. His arm strength is more functional than special, and his ball placement can be inconsistent at times. He can also play too conservative, moving off reads too quickly and settling for checkdowns. Still, he proved he can succeed at a high level with limited experience, and his floor is relatively high compared to others in this class.
Value: Rounds 1–2
3. Taylen Green – Arkansas
Taylen Green is the most athletically gifted quarterback in this class without question and one of the most athletic quarterback prospects ever. At his size with elite speed and a strong arm, he brings a rare combination of traits that can completely change an offense. He is a true dual-threat who can take over games with his legs while also creating explosive plays as a passer.
His ability to extend plays and turn broken situations into positive gains stands out immediately. He is dangerous on designed runs and scrambles, and once he gets into space, he is extremely difficult to stop. As a passer, he shows real arm talent, especially on deep throws, where he can generate velocity and push the ball downfield with ease. He also produced well despite not being in an ideal offensive system.
He is still a developmental prospect. His short and intermediate accuracy can be inconsistent, and his processing against complex coverages needs work. His mechanics, including a longer release, can slow him down. Even with those concerns, the upside is extremely high. If he lands with the right coaching staff, he has the potential to be the biggest steal in the draft.
Value: Round 2
4. Drew Allar – Penn State
Allar is one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the class with prototypical size and elite arm talent. He can generate effortless velocity and make throws that very few quarterbacks can, especially in tight windows. When everything is in sync, he looks like a high-level starting quarterback with the ability to control an offense.
He also brings some value as a runner for his size, showing toughness and the ability to pick up yards when needed. His arm talent allows him to push the ball vertically and attack defenses at all levels. At his best, he flashes the ability to take over games with his arm.
The inconsistency is the biggest issue. His footwork can break down, which leads to accuracy problems, especially in the short game. His pocket presence is also a concern, as he struggles with pressure and does not always navigate the pocket well. His processing is still developing, and injuries have slowed his progression. The talent is still there, but he is more of a projection at this point.
Value: Rounds 3–4
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5. Garrett Nussmeier – LSU
Nussmeier is a quarterback who wins with his arm talent and confidence. He can generate strong velocity on his throws and shows good touch, especially in the intermediate areas of the field. He is comfortable throwing on the move and can adjust his arm angles to get the ball out in different situations.
He plays with a competitive edge that shows up in big moments, and he has enough experience to handle different defensive looks. When he is in rhythm, he can operate efficiently and move the offense down the field. He also shows a good understanding of ball placement when attacking downfield.
The concerns come with his physical profile and decision-making. He is not the most athletic quarterback, and his frame raises some durability questions. He also has a tendency to lock onto his first read and force throws when chasing big plays. That can lead to inconsistency and turnovers. He projects as a higher-floor option but with a limited ceiling.
Value: Early Day 3
6. Cole Payton – NDSU
Payton is one of the more intriguing developmental quarterbacks in this class because of his athletic profile. He has great size, strong explosiveness, and very good speed, making him a legitimate dual-threat option. As a runner, he is dangerous and can create big plays both on designed runs and when extending plays.
He also shows flashes as a passer, especially on deeper throws where he can place the ball well downfield. He has the tools to make plays both inside and outside the pocket, and his overall physical profile gives him a high ceiling if developed properly.
The biggest concerns come from his lack of experience and level of competition. He only started one year at the FCS level, which raises questions about how he will adjust to NFL defenses. His mechanics need refinement, and his consistency as a passer is still a work in progress. He is a projection, but one with clear upside.
Value: Early Day 3
7. Carson Beck – Miami
Beck is a traditional pocket passer who relies on timing, accuracy, and decision-making. He has good size and is very effective in the short and intermediate areas of the field, where he consistently delivers accurate throws and keeps the offense on schedule. He processes defenses quickly and does a good job making the right decisions.
He operates well within structure and shows the ability to manage a game effectively. He has experience in big situations and has shown he can lead an offense when everything is functioning properly. His mechanics are generally clean, and he is comfortable working from the pocket.
The limitations come with his lack of athleticism and inconsistency on deep throws. He does not offer much outside of structure, and his inability to consistently push the ball downfield limits his overall upside. At this point, he is a known commodity and projects as a reliable backup option.
Value: Day 3
8. Cade Klubnik – Clemson
Klubnik is a quarterback with some intriguing tools, including solid mobility and a quick release. He can operate effectively in certain offensive concepts, especially when working off play action or RPO looks. He also shows flashes of touch as a passer, particularly on deeper throws when he is in rhythm.
He has enough athletic ability to extend plays and pick up yards with his legs when needed. His toughness and willingness to compete also stand out, especially considering the pressure he faced throughout his career.
The biggest issue with Klubnik is consistency. His processing after the snap is a concern, as he often locks onto his first read and struggles when defenses disguise coverage. His arm strength is also limited when pushing the ball downfield, and his mechanics can break down. While he has some tools, he has not shown enough to project as more than a backup at this stage.
Value: Day 3
