The 2026 NFL DRAFT QB derby watch!
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There's a lot to like about Francisco Mendoza, but there's one flaw he just hasn't been able to shake...
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McShay is one of the better evaluators of college talent around. Guess I'll have to catch a Bama game soon to see what he's talking about. And how much of it has to do with a bunch of 5***** OL's in front of him? We know that can make a difference.
McShay is one of the better evaluators of college talent around. Guess I'll have to catch a Bama game soon to see what he's talking about. And how much of it has to do with a bunch of 5***** OL's in front of him? We know that can make a difference.
Simpson won't blow you away with his size, arm or athleticism, but he's got traits that could translate into a very successful and long NFL career: He can read defenses and make progressions.
But he has like 9 career college starts as of today.
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“Onions plus”
LOL
I’m out of reactions, but know that I giggled like a school girl… ?
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“Onions plus”
LOL
Yeah, but the way "Onions" works for the Browns is the QB throws the Int at "The crucial moment" and the football turns into Lucy's Onions which make us all cry.?=?=?
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McShay is one of the better evaluators of college talent around. Guess I'll have to catch a Bama game soon to see what he's talking about. And how much of it has to do with a bunch of 5***** OL's in front of him? We know that can make a difference.
Simpson won't blow you away with his size, arm or athleticism, but he's got traits that could translate into a very successful and long NFL career: He can read defenses and make progressions.
But he has like 9 career college starts as of today.
Simpson won't blow you away with his size, arm or athleticism, but he's got traits that could translate into a very successful and long NFL career: He can read defenses and make progressions.
But he has like 9 career college starts as of today.
Someone is going to emerge as an exception to the rule you, me and many others subscribe to about starting experience beyond 1 year is necessary in order to be a successful QB at the next level. I would think Ty Simpson could be that guy; but only for a team willing to provide a much better OL and #1 WR than this team currently has. UCK-FAY!
Let's make sure we catch some of his games as the season winds down; because you know the Browns are going to beat somebody they're not supposed to even if by accident to mess up the Mendoza chance...
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I don’t think Simpson comes out - I expect Bama in an effort to hang onto anything left from the Saban glory days arranges all the NIL possibilities and then some. Simpson and Sayin will get some of the richest NIL deals ever.
Both will be better prospects in 2027 than Fernando in 2026
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Copy and paste job from a recent article in The Athletic discussing some of the bigger name draft eligible QBs.
NFL executives worried about lackluster 2026 QB draft class: ‘I don’t love any of them’
A sobering reality is taking shape with the 2026 NFL Draft class.
As recently as a couple of months ago, teams anticipated a stacked crop of quarterbacks — not necessarily rivaling the 2024 draft class but surely better than the 2025 group. But with college quarterbacks underperforming across the board, there are serious concerns about the position, and that is going to reshape teams’ plans for the opening round.
“Nobody is playing the position well enough to be like, ‘That dude can take over my franchise,’” said an NFL team executive who was granted anonymity so he could speak openly.
This could be a massive blow to teams like the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns, which have glaring holes at QB and a pair of first-round selections at their disposal. It also hurts the Tennessee Titans, who have the inside track on the top pick, and their ability to auction off the selection to the highest bidder.
Of course, there’s plenty of time for evaluations to evolve between now and April, but the early analysis hasn’t been encouraging. There’s no clear-cut top prospect to truly set the pace for the rest of the class.
“I don’t love any of (the quarterbacks) right now,” a second executive said. “We’re trying to grasp onto somebody because there isn’t anybody, and it’s such a flavor of the week. Good luck right now.”
For context, those two executives don’t work for teams that need a franchise quarterback, so they’re not being disingenuous in an attempt to earn a competitive advantage. They’d actually prefer these QBs to climb up the ranks because it’d help their teams’ chances of drafting a better player at another position.
No one ever believed this group had a chance to compare to the historic 2024 class that featured six quarterbacks among the top 12 picks, including Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye right out of the chute. But after Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart were the only first-rounders in 2025, the common refrain was simple: Wait till next year.
Well, it might already be time to kick that can down the road to 2027.
“Overall, we were hoping it was going to be better than last year,” a third executive said. “There was a hangover from such a good class two years ago. There were more projected (quarterbacks) coming into this year, but the expectations of the higher-end players never really materialized. Some of the younger guys are leaning toward going back because they haven’t played well and are making the NIL money.”
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
If the draft were today, the 6-foot-5, 225-pounder might have the edge as the top QB. But even the staunchest Mendoza supporters don’t believe it’s by a wide margin.
The redshirt junior has the prototypical size at the position and is built similarly to Maye, though Mendoza isn’t as athletic. One executive said Mendoza processes his reads at a higher rate now than Maye did at this time in his final season at North Carolina.
Mendoza is a pocket passer who will run if necessary, and he’s tough. He scrambled more during his time at Cal because he was forced to really drive the offense. Still, Mendoza has been more comfortable controlling the game from the pocket with a better supporting cast and system at Indiana.
He has good accuracy, delivers a clean, catchable ball and has above-average arm strength. Executives like his decision-making and ball security — both traits have drastically improved this season. Mendoza also led a game-winning drive last week against Penn State that will help his cause.
Mendoza has high character, and a couple of executives gushed over his passion for the game and drive to get better. He doesn’t strike evaluators as a QB who can take over a game, but that tier of prospect doesn’t currently exist in this class.
His pre-draft interviews will be important because of his rigid, almost robotic personality and quiet leadership style. That might get picked apart during draft season, but no one called it a red flag.
“If people are caught up on that,” an executive said, “they’re getting caught up on the wrong things.”
Another exec added, “If you make plays in the clutch, and you’re tough as s—, guys start believing in you.”
Ty Simpson, Alabama
The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder has had an eye-opening ascension in his first season as the starter.
“He’s had the best year out of all of (the QB prospects), but he’s not as high up as some of these other guys in terms of physical tools,” an executive said. “More power to him. The kid has played his tail off, and he’s throwing the s— out of the ball.”
Simpson throws a great ball, the evaluators agreed, and he has advanced poise and polish for a first-time starter. The redshirt junior processes quickly and gets the ball out on time with accuracy. One evaluator said Simpson simply plays under control and has good command on the field.
Simpson’s lack of starts is a concern, and there’s no question he’d benefit from returning to school to gain more experience. He doesn’t wow teams with his traits, but the film has been the strength of his resume. One evaluator compared Simpson to Brock Purdy or Mac Jones — good players who get the ball where it needs to go.
Dante Moore, Oregon
NFL teams think the 20-year-old redshirt sophomore will return to school, and that’d be useful to clean up his issues with inconsistency.
The 6-foot-3, 206-pounder has certainly improved, but one executive said a return to school could put him on a Jayden Daniels-style trajectory as someone whose stock could skyrocket if he starts to play a cleaner game.
There’s a lot of optimism that Moore will reach his potential, but the consensus is that another season in college would be better for his development than trying to refine some fundamental struggles in the NFL.
If he did declare, though?
“I just think there’s a lot to work with as a player and a person,” an executive said. “I’d take him (as the top QB) at the end of the day.”
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder has traits on top of traits on top of traits. He’s big and explosive, boasts a powerful arm, can win with his legs on third down and is tough to tackle. Coming out of the summer, it was fair to believe a solid season would solidify Sellers as the top QB because of his overall athletic ability.
However, Sellers just hasn’t played well enough, and teams are hoping the 20-year-old will return to school. He played well in the second half of the 2024 season, but South Carolina doesn’t have enough help around him, particularly on the offensive line. Taking on too much of the burden, Sellers hasn’t had the chance to make the jump that many hoped to see.
Whether it’s the offensive philosophy or they do it out of necessity because of the lack of help around him, Sellers has a lot of one-read-and-go plays. That’s going to make his transition to the NFL more difficult with calls, checks, reads and progressions. He also needs to tighten up his footwork and mechanics, according to evaluators.
If Sellers gets there, watch out.
“He’s got franchise quarterback physical ability,” an executive said. “But can he get there with the other stuff?”
Arch Manning, Texas
Manning almost certainly won’t enter the 2026 draft, but he’s worth mentioning for two reasons: He’d at least be in the QB1 conversation if he declared, and it doesn’t sound like anyone from the next tier has enough time to make that type of jump.
The 21-year-old redshirt sophomore has an above-average arm and good athleticism, and he has a prototypical frame at 6-foot-4, 219 pounds. Manning also has high-quality intangibles. He simply needs a lot more reps at Texas.
Manning has improved throughout the season, three executives agreed.
“Guys are allowed to get better as players,” an executive said, mocking the criticism of Manning’s season opener against Ohio State. “We judged him off his, what, first three games in college football and said he’s a bust? He’s been getting better.”
Added another executive: “Shocker, a guy who had never started in major college football didn’t get off to a race-car start. It’s all still in front of him.”
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And guys some of us were intrigued about coming into the season, like LSU’s Nussmeier and Clemson’s Klubnik have been so “meh” that they don’t even get mentioned in your article. The reasons I like Ty Simpson today is why I was intrigued about Nussmeier, but he’s been battling injuries and kind of stalled out this season
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I don’t think Simpson comes out - I expect Bama in an effort to hang onto anything left from the Saban glory days arranges all the NIL possibilities and then some. Simpson and Sayin will get some of the richest NIL deals ever.
Both will be better prospects in 2027 than Fernando in 2026
I don’t think Simpson comes out - I expect Bama in an effort to hang onto anything left from the Saban glory days arranges all the NIL possibilities and then some. Simpson and Sayin will get some of the richest NIL deals ever.
Both will be better prospects in 2027 than Fernando in 2026
That wouldn't surprise me. This is Simpson's 4th year at Bama; but only his 1st year as a starter. There would definitely be advantages for him to stay there with the familiarity of playbook, coaching staff, surrounding talent/teammates/friends and stuff to build on. Like you said - he'll get an attractive NIL to do so. The alternative - chaos on the Browns or Jets with unacceptable pass protection. 2 teams that haven't understood the QB is the most important investment unless they just didn't understand it is important to nurture and protect their important investment.
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And guys some of us were intrigued about coming into the season, like LSU’s Nussmeier and Clemson’s Klubnik have been so “meh” that they don’t even get mentioned in your article. The reasons I like Ty Simpson today is why I was intrigued about Nussmeier, but he’s been battling injuries and kind of stalled out this season
And guys some of us were intrigued about coming into the season, like LSU’s Nussmeier and Clemson’s Klubnik have been so “meh” that they don’t even get mentioned in your article. The reasons I like Ty Simpson today is why I was intrigued about Nussmeier, but he’s been battling injuries and kind of stalled out this season
The Browns and Jets are probably gonna scare a lot of top QB prospects back to college/the NIL.
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And guys some of us were intrigued about coming into the season, like LSU’s Nussmeier and Clemson’s Klubnik have been so “meh” that they don’t even get mentioned in your article. The reasons I like Ty Simpson today is why I was intrigued about Nussmeier, but he’s been battling injuries and kind of stalled out this season
The Browns and Jets are probably gonna scare a lot of top QB prospects back to college/the NIL.
The Browns and Jets are probably gonna scare a lot of top QB prospects back to college/the NIL.
To be fair, Mendoza is the only one that I feel if he declares it makes sense. He'll have 35ish college starts, and won't have any competition for the top QB drafted.
If he stays in school, he'll have to compete with Moore (Oregon), Simpson (Alabama), Sellers (South Carolina), Manning (Texas), Sayin (Ohio State) and whoever else comes out of nowhere (kind of like Mendoza did this year). Next year's QB class could be like 2024's, if not better.
But it's funny, Mendoza - the prototypical AFC North Flacco/Roethlisberger big QB - has the same problem our fun-sized Dillon Gabriel has... He looks at his first option in the passing game and when that is covered starts looking down at the rush, then struggles at times finding his second option. McShay mentioned this in the video I posted earlier this week that this part of his game hasn't really improved during the season. He likes everything else about his game.
If we can't get Mendoza, I'm fine with the Browns going hard in the draft on the offensive side so hypothetically the 2027 QB drafted walks in with a functional offense around him. It sucks, I really thought the QB class this coming draft would be much better than last years, but it kind of crapped the bed. I think at the end of the day though that the Browns are building for Brookpark.
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Well let's see how S. Caro. QB Sellers does against A&M's pressure from all angles defense on ESPN Sat @ 11am CDT. Beat A&M and I could become a believer. Monumental task considering A&M is favored at home by 18.5 in most Vegas sportsbooks.
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Well let's see how S. Caro. QB Sellers does against A&M's pressure from all angles defense on ESPN Sat @ 11am CDT. Beat A&M and I could become a believer. Monumental task considering A&M is favored at home by 18.5 in most Vegas sportsbooks.
Well let's see how S. Caro. QB Sellers does against A&M's pressure from all angles defense on ESPN Sat @ 11am CDT. Beat A&M and I could become a believer. Monumental task considering A&M is favored at home by 18.5 in most Vegas sportsbooks.
I would be shocked if SC won. Their offense is so bad.
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Well let's see how S. Caro. QB Sellers does against A&M's pressure from all angles defense on ESPN Sat @ 11am CDT. Beat A&M and I could become a believer. Monumental task considering A&M is favored at home by 18.5 in most Vegas sportsbooks.
I would be shocked if SC won. Their offense is so bad.
I would be shocked if SC won. Their offense is so bad.
They beat us last year by blowing out the knee of our best RB early 3rd Q as he was stepping out of bounds. Legal, but dirty as hell. We owe them one. This year he may not play, but we have 3 good RBs to carry the run game, plus a QB unafraid to take off if the defenders turn their backs on him trying to cover all the receivers flying downfield.
So I'm hoping you're right of course.
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The Browns and Jets are probably gonna scare a lot of top QB prospects back to college/the NIL.
To be fair, Mendoza is the only one that I feel if he declares it makes sense. He'll have 35ish college starts, and won't have any competition for the top QB drafted.
If he stays in school, he'll have to compete with Moore (Oregon), Simpson (Alabama), Sellers (South Carolina), Manning (Texas), Sayin (Ohio State) and whoever else comes out of nowhere (kind of like Mendoza did this year). Next year's QB class could be like 2024's, if not better.
But it's funny, Mendoza - the prototypical AFC North Flacco/Roethlisberger big QB - has the same problem our fun-sized Dillon Gabriel has... He looks at his first option in the passing game and when that is covered starts looking down at the rush, then struggles at times finding his second option. McShay mentioned this in the video I posted earlier this week that this part of his game hasn't really improved during the season. He likes everything else about his game.
If we can't get Mendoza, I'm fine with the Browns going hard in the draft on the offensive side so hypothetically the 2027 QB drafted walks in with a functional offense around him. It sucks, I really thought the QB class this coming draft would be much better than last years, but it kind of crapped the bed. I think at the end of the day though that the Browns are building for Brookpark.
But it's funny, Mendoza - the prototypical AFC North Flacco/Roethlisberger big QB - has the same problem our fun-sized Dillon Gabriel has... He looks at his first option in the passing game and when that is covered starts looking down at the rush, then struggles at times finding his second option. McShay mentioned this in the video I posted earlier this week that this part of his game hasn't really improved during the season. He likes everything else about his game.
I don’t know if that’s the fairest knock on Mendoza, he’s not a 1 read and run guy. I’ve seen a few IU games this year, including the Oregon game (who supposedly have stout D-line) and he’s real proactive scanning the field when the protection is there. Problem is (and it’s only a problem from an evaluative perspective), IU has a cornbread fed Oline who by and large keeps the pressure off of him. They really look like a complete team.
Penn State got the bright idea to blitz him and we got to see a glimpse of his clock being sped up. He did beat ‘em, but it took a miracle catch in the endzone.
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But it's funny, Mendoza - the prototypical AFC North Flacco/Roethlisberger big QB - has the same problem our fun-sized Dillon Gabriel has... He looks at his first option in the passing game and when that is covered starts looking down at the rush, then struggles at times finding his second option. McShay mentioned this in the video I posted earlier this week that this part of his game hasn't really improved during the season. He likes everything else about his game.
I don’t know if that’s the fairest knock on Mendoza, he’s not a 1 read and run guy. I’ve seen a few IU games this year, including the Oregon game (who supposedly have stout D-line) and he’s real proactive scanning the field when the protection is there. Problem is (and it’s only a problem from an evaluative perspective), IU has a cornbread fed Oline who by and large keeps the pressure off of him. They really look like a complete team.
Penn State got the bright idea to blitz him and we got to see a glimpse of his clock being sped up. He did beat ‘em, but it took a miracle catch in the endzone.
Penn State got the bright idea to blitz him and we got to see a glimpse of his clock being sped up. He did beat ‘em, but it took a miracle catch in the endzone.
And with our OL just fed Popeye's spinach, that clock will go even faster.
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I don’t think Simpson comes out - I expect Bama in an effort to hang onto anything left from the Saban glory days arranges all the NIL possibilities and then some. Simpson and Sayin will get some of the richest NIL deals ever.
Both will be better prospects in 2027 than Fernando in 2026
That wouldn't surprise me. This is Simpson's 4th year at Bama; but only his 1st year as a starter. There would definitely be advantages for him to stay there with the familiarity of playbook, coaching staff, surrounding talent/teammates/friends and stuff to build on. Like you said - he'll get an attractive NIL to do so. The alternative - chaos on the Browns or Jets with unacceptable pass protection. 2 teams that haven't understood the QB is the most important investment unless they just didn't understand it is important to nurture and protect their important investment.
That wouldn't surprise me. This is Simpson's 4th year at Bama; but only his 1st year as a starter. There would definitely be advantages for him to stay there with the familiarity of playbook, coaching staff, surrounding talent/teammates/friends and stuff to build on. Like you said - he'll get an attractive NIL to do so. The alternative - chaos on the Browns or Jets with unacceptable pass protection. 2 teams that haven't understood the QB is the most important investment unless they just didn't understand it is important to nurture and protect their important investment.
Arch made 6.8M this year in NIL money. Carson Beck 4.3M
Drake Maye made around 6.7M his rookie year as the 4th overall pick.It is no longer a slam dunk to enter the draft if the potential for NIL money is big especially your QBs
Carson Beck made more STAYING in college than going pro. Spends a year in South Beach. If he’s thinking ahead gets a free year of courses to transition into something bigger after his short NFL career. His decision to stay probably took three seconds.
I don’t see Arvell Reese a LB making close to QB NIL money so he’s gone and hopefully he doesn’t become a Bengal/Raven/Steeler
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Sellers is intriguing, I'm watching this game now.
He's had 3 batted balls by the defense already (1st Q), but has made a few nice plays.
2nd observation....if A & M loses, expect S Carolina to be ranked #25, so the SEC can talk about another "quality loss."
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That wouldn't surprise me. This is Simpson's 4th year at Bama; but only his 1st year as a starter. There would definitely be advantages for him to stay there with the familiarity of playbook, coaching staff, surrounding talent/teammates/friends and stuff to build on. Like you said - he'll get an attractive NIL to do so. The alternative - chaos on the Browns or Jets with unacceptable pass protection. 2 teams that haven't understood the QB is the most important investment unless they just didn't understand it is important to nurture and protect their important investment.
Arch made 6.8M this year in NIL money. Carson Beck 4.3M
Drake Maye made around 6.7M his rookie year as the 4th overall pick.It is no longer a slam dunk to enter the draft if the potential for NIL money is big especially your QBs
Carson Beck made more STAYING in college than going pro. Spends a year in South Beach. If he’s thinking ahead gets a free year of courses to transition into something bigger after his short NFL career. His decision to stay probably took three seconds.
I don’t see Arvell Reese a LB making close to QB NIL money so he’s gone and hopefully he doesn’t become a Bengal/Raven/Steeler
Carson Beck made more STAYING in college than going pro. Spends a year in South Beach. If he’s thinking ahead gets a free year of courses to transition into something bigger after his short NFL career.
It's a win - win thing. They're more apt to stay in school and potentially set themselves up for employment after football (for those studios enough) and at the same time hone/refine their skills for the NFL. I think it's good for the college player and good for the NFL.
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