There is just over a month before the 2026 NFL Draft. The expectation is that Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza will be the first overall pick. He’s coming off leading the Hoosiers to a national title and a season in which he completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns to only six interceptions.
However, not everyone is sold on Mendoza being the best quarterback in this draft class. Former NFL QB and current analyst Dan Orlovsky is one of them. He believes more in Alabama QB Ty Simpson than Mendoza.
“I think Ty Simpson is QB1, I think Ty Simpson is the best quarterback in this class,” Orlovsky said Monday on Get Up. “I think when you look at the body of work and what was asked of these two quarterbacks, you have to start with the question who needed to do more to carry their football team to play well? Ty Simpson, and it’s not close between these two quarterbacks. Who took more games over throughout the course of the season? Ty Simpson, it’s not even close.
“If we’re asking, okay, we’re trying to see what you are as a player in college and what you’re gonna be asked to do in the NFL and what translates, I start with what do you do in moments of panic with the football? ‘Cause that’s really what separates good to great. I would tell you that Ty Simpson is more consistent in that regard. What guy was asked to do more NFL throws? When I say NFL throws, I’m talking 15, 20, 25-yard in routes, crossing routes, deep corner, or sail routes. Ty Simpson, and it’s not even close in that regard.”
“I think Ty Simpson is the best quarterback in this class.”
—@danorlovsky7 makes a strong claim ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Kgj0Z9Rgtc
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 23, 2026
When our own Jake Brockhoff watched Fernando Mendoza’s tape, he saw some of the things that Orlovsky questioned. Brockhoff saw an Indiana offense built on run-pass options. He saw a quarterback who made some questionable decisions in the face of pressure. However, Brockhoff still sees someone capable of being a long-term NFL starter.
Our own Jim Hester watched Ty Simpson’s tape, and he’s not as impressed as Orlovsky. Hester saw a quarterback who, much like Mendoza, struggled with pressure. Hester pointed out that Simpson’s completion percentage dropped to 48.7 percent when he faced pressure. However, Hester also sees Simpson as a potential long-term starter.
The other main reason why Orlovsky prefers Simpson? Where the two quarterbacks will be available.
“I like Fernando Mendoza, this is not to slight Mendoza,” Orlovsky said. “I would rather have Ty Simpson at the 15-to-20 range than Fernando Mendoza at one.”
Perhaps that speaks more to Mendoza not being the perceived slam-dunk All-Pro quarterback than it does to Ty Simpson being a lock as a better prospect. So, what does this mean for the Steelers? Multiple people have mocked Simpson to the Steelers with the 21st overall pick in the upcoming draft. According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, the Steelers have been keeping a close watch on Simpson throughout the whole process.
No doubt this will be interesting to watch, not only on draft night but throughout these quarterbacks’ careers. Maybe Ty Simpson ends up in Pittsburgh, maybe not. What’s for sure is that Dan Orlovsky’s opinion is not a widely held one. It sure is intriguing, though.
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