Ranking the 10 best quarterbacks in 2026 NFL Draft, from Fernando Mendoza to Jalon Daniels
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Ranking the 10 best quarterbacks in 2026 NFL Draft, from Fernando Mendoza to Jalon Daniels originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 quarterback class has one sparkling gem in the latest combined Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, Fernando Mendoza. The rest of the group, however, seems rough and there may not be another diamond.
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Mendoza is sure to go to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1 and then all bets off as to when the next name at the position is called. Here's breaking down what's an overall weak class compared what's coming in 2027 with Arch Manning, Dante Moore and others:
MORE: Sporting News' complete 7-round mock draft
Ranking the 10 best quarterbacks in 2026 NFL Draft
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1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (6-5, 236 pounds)
Mendoza has all the markings of a standout can't miss pocket passer for the Raiders, coached by Klint Kubiak and part-owned by Tom Brady. He has the arm, accuracy and intangibles to give them a true long-term franchise QB. He also adds the right dash of athleticism and saving his best for the clutch.
Draft projection: Early first round
2. Ty Simpson, Alabama (6-1, 211 pounds)
Simpson has stood out as the best of the rest with his consistent delivery that has lead to fine short-to-intermediate accuracy. A team will need to be patient with his arm strength and bulk developing a little more, but he has the natural tools, including a winning pedigree.
Draft projection: Late first round to mid second round
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3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU (6-2, 203 pounds)
Nussmeier is more relegated to passing out of the pocket than either Mendoza or Simpson, but he stands in there and can get rid of the ball quickly or extend plays with his toughness. He is naturally accurate and football smart as the son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier.
Draft projection: Third to fourth round
4. Cade Klubnik, Clemson (6-2, 207 pounds)
Klubnik would also benefit from playing in the right system a la Simpson and Nussmeier. He would thrive in a rhythmic quick-dropback West Coast style offense with his short-to-intermediate accuracy.
Draft projection: Third to fourth round
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5. Drew Allar, Penn State (6-5, 228 pounds)
Allar has the ideal size and big arm to look the part as a capable NFL pocket passer but it's critical that he keeps working to become more accurate and consistent with his downfield execution.
Draft projection: Fourth to fifth round
6. Carson Beck, Miami (6-5, 233 pounds)
Beck is right up there in having the look of a NFL strong-armed pocket passer with the experience and intangibles to match. Physically, he must get better with his mechanics and footwork to become more accurate and be more consistent in making good decisions.
Draft projection: Fourth to fifth round
7. Luke Altmeyer, Illinois (6-2, 210 pounds)
Altmeyer runs well and throws well, but there's nothing super special about his game. He is confident in making all the throws leaning well on experience. He projects more as being limited to a long-term No. 2.
Draft projection: Sixth to seventh round
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8. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor (6-4, 216 pounds)
Robertson is an intriguing late-round flyer because of his intangibles and natural athleticism as part of his ideal passing frame. He is rather refined in making all the throws but his limited arm ceiling says backup at best.
Draft projection: Sixth to seventh round
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9. Taylen Green, Arkansas (6-6, 227 pounds)
Green took off with a 4.37 40-yard dash at the Combine as part of his athletic show. He is still growing as a downfield passer but he has a dynamic quality about him to think he would be worth a late pick with a shot to put it all together with his running.
Draft projection: Seventh round
10. Jalon Daniels, Kansas (6-1, 219 pounds)
Daniels has learned well from his college coaching to get his footwork and mechanics down. Daniels does a little bit of everything well as a passer and is malleable to a variety of systems, making him an intriguing developmental backup.
Draft projection: Seventh round