2026 NFL Draft Confidential: Unfiltered Scouting Takes On Top 5 QBs

NFL scouts rank the five best QBs in the 2026 draft plus provide draft ranges, pro comps, strengths and weaknesses and ideal team fits.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:04pm

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This is not a good time for NFL teams in need of a franchise quarterback. The 2026 draft class is thin, and scouts are mostly unimpressed. However, there are good quarterbacks in this class if teams look hard enough. The 2026 prospects just might need a little extra time, patience and care.

Why it matters

At least a handful of NFL teams are still searching for a long-term answer at quarterback, so the 2026 QB draft class is an important one, even if it lacks the star power of previous years. Teams will need to carefully evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these prospects to determine if any can develop into reliable starters.

The details

I talked to seven scouts to get their insights on the five best quarterbacks in the 2026 class - Drew Allar of Penn State, Carson Beck of Miami, Garrett Nussmeier of LSU, Ty Simpson of Alabama, and Fernando Mendoza of Indiana. The scouts provided draft ranges, pro player comparisons, analysis of the players' strengths and weaknesses, and ideal team fits for each QB.

  • Drew Allar broke his left ankle in mid-October 2025.
  • Carson Beck transferred to Miami and had a strong 2025 season, leading the Hurricanes to the CFP final.
  • Garrett Nussmeier missed time in 2025 due to an abdominal/core muscle injury.
  • Ty Simpson earned the starting job at Alabama in 2025 and led the team to the CFP.
  • Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to the national championship in 2025.

The players

Drew Allar

A 6-foot-5, 228-pound quarterback from Penn State who has great size and arm strength, but struggled with consistency and accuracy throughout his college career.

Carson Beck

A 6-foot-5, 233-pound pocket passer who transferred to Miami for his final season and had a strong year, but has concerns about his play under pressure.

Garrett Nussmeier

A 6-foot-2, 203-pound gunslinger from LSU who had an injury-plagued 2025 season after a promising 2024 campaign, raising questions about his decision-making and ability to stay healthy.

Ty Simpson

A 6-foot-1, 211-pound quarterback from Alabama who is an accurate passer but lacks experience, having only 15 career starts in college.

Fernando Mendoza

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion from Indiana, a 6-foot-5, 236-pound pocket passer known for his intelligence and accuracy, but concerns about his mobility.

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The takeaway

This year's NFL draft class of quarterbacks lacks the star power of previous years, but there are still several prospects with intriguing potential if teams are willing to invest the time and patience to develop them. Teams in need of a long-term answer at QB will have to carefully weigh the strengths and weaknesses of these players to determine if any can become reliable starters at the next level.