Former NFL quarterback-turned-ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky had the internet up in arms on Monday when he boldly stated he believed Alabama's Ty Simpson was the best QB in the 2026 NFL draft - ahead of projected No. 1 overall pick and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
"I think when we 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?'" Orlovsky stated. "Ty Simpson and it’s not close between those two quarterbacks.
"… When it comes to moments of panic and big throws, real NFL throws, I think it’s clearly Ty Simpson. I like Mendoza, but I would rather have Ty Simpson at the 15-20 range, than Fernando Mendoza at 1."
Orlovsky then made the case that Simpson is better than Mendoza in "moments of panic with the football," stating Mendoza has a tendency to "drop his eyes" and become a runner while Simpson is more consistent with handling pressure.
He also claimed Simpson can make more NFL throws, which he described as "15-, 20-, 25-yard in-routes, crossing routes, deep corner or sail routes," than Mendoza can.
While Orlovsky's assessment of the two signal-callers wasn't completely off-base, many fans disagreed with his hot take. In fact, many flooded social media with their own theories that Orlovsky was only hyping Simpson up at Mendoza's expense because the two are represented by the same agency.
"Dan Orlovsky – CAA. Ty Simpson – CAA. Fernando Mendoza – Excel Sports Management. 🧐🧐🧐," one fan wrote.
"He's definitely working for an agent," another agreed.
"He did the same with Stefanski & Dillon Gabriel same agency," a third fan exclaimed.
"Orlovsky always having a financial tie to whatever ridiculous or lopsided takes he blurts out on ESPN is so funny," one user scoffed.
"The only way you can make these statements is if someone is paying you to say this. Everyone except Dan knows Mendoza is the real deal. Don't buy this crap people, go watch the tape that Dan did t bother watching. Simpson had his chance to prove it with a far superior physical team and look what happened…. Such a bad look for Dan….," another user remarked.
In Orlovsky's defense, he's not the only analyst saying Simpson is better than Mendoza in certain areas.
The Ringer's Todd McShay and ESPN colleague and former New York jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum are among a group of others who share Orlovsky's sentiment.
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