Draft season is picking up, with the NFL Combine beginning later this week. Prospects look to test well in Indianapolis and improve their draft stock. As always, quarterbacks garner the most attention of any position. Landing a franchise signal-caller is the best way to turn a franchise around. The Raiders have the honors of picking first in the 2026 NFL Draft, and it’s pretty clear who they will take. Beyond the top quarterback available, the rest of this class is very uncertain. Several top prospects opted to return to college, so the draft board is fairly thin at the position. While this class is on the weaker end, there are still some intriguing options under center. Who are the top five quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft?
2026 NFL Draft: Top Five Quarterbacks
1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
This shouldn’t be a surprise, as the Heisman Trophy winner is all but guaranteed to be the first-overall pick. Fernando Mendoza has the ideal frame for an NFL QB and generates excellent velocity on his throws. He’s an effective passer on all three levels, excelling at throwing up the middle. Mendoza isn’t a great athlete, but he can scramble and take advantage of open grass. He does tend to hang onto the ball too long, and there are times he puts the ball in harm’s way. While there are areas of his game that can be improved, they are fixable over time.
2. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
After Mendoza, there’s a significant drop-off for quarterback prospects. Garrett Nussmeier entered 2025 as a viable candidate to be the first-overall pick. However, a disappointing final collegiate season cut short by injury hurt his stock. Although he likely won’t be a first-round pick, Nussmeier’s traits still give him upside at the next level. He has very good arm strength and can make difficult throws off platform. His accuracy is nuanced, putting the ball on the right shoulder of his target to throw them away from coverage. Nussmeier can force passes, which lead to interceptions, and he’s limited as a scrambler. His smaller frame also raises injury concerns, as he missed the last four games of 2025. Nussmeier projects as a third-round pick who has the potential to develop into a starter.
3. Ty Simpson, Alabama
Despite starting just one season, Ty Simpson showed tremendous poise. He completed 64.5% of his passes for 3.567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 15 games. Simpson works through his progressions well and has impressive pocket awareness. He’s at his best in third-and fourth-down situations, and his intermediate accuracy is a strength. While his floor as a capable signal-caller is high, the ceiling is somewhat low. Simpson doesn’t have elite arm strength, and his accuracy on deep passes leaves a lot to be desired. His mobility is adequate, but he isn’t a player who will scare defenses with his legs. Simpson will likely be the second quarterback off the board and may be a first-round pick. He has a higher floor, but a lower ceiling than Nussmeier.
4. Carson Beck, Miami
Carson Beck is a prototypical pocket passer, measuring at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds. He throws with great anticipation and can attack the defense on all three levels. Beck excels at intermediate passes and has impressive accuracy, completing 72.4% of his passes in 2025. His mobility is decent, being able to take off and scramble when there’s an open lane. While Beck isn’t a statue, his mobility isn’t something opposing defenses need to game plan around. Beck can struggle when pressured, as there are times he forces dangerous throws that lead to picks. He should be a third or fourth-round pick come April.
5. Drew Allar, Penn State
Drew Allar had first-round aspirations entering the 2025 season, but a season-ending injury significantly hurt his draft stock. While his last collegiate season didn’t go as expected, the upside is still there. Allar has the ideal frame of an NFL quarterback, and his arm strength allows him to thread passes into tight windows. He isn’t a great scrambler, but he can use his physicality to power through defenders. His mechanics and accuracy are inconsistent, missing routine throws more often than he should. The aforementioned injury also raises concerns. Allar should be a fourth-round pick and can be a developmental option at the position.
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