Top 5 2026 NFL Draft QB Targets Beyond Fernando Mendoza
Fernando Mendoza may headline the 2026 NFL Draft as the lone blue-chip quarterback, but the real intrigue begins after him. From high-upside prospects to risky developmental bets, this next tier of quarterbacks presents a fascinating dilemma for NFL teams searching for their future franchise leader.
- Krishna Sagar
- 4 min read
Every NFL Draft is defined by quarterbacks. Some classes offer clarity. A clear No. 1 pick. A defined pecking order. Teams know exactly what they are getting and where to find it.
The 2026 class is not one of those drafts. This is a class built on uncertainty. At the very top sits Fernando Mendoza, widely viewed as the safest and most complete quarterback prospect available. But once his name comes off the board, everything changes.
There is no consensus No. 2. No guaranteed franchise savior. Instead, what follows is a collection of talent, traits, and questions. Teams drafting after Mendoza will not just be selecting a quarterback. They will be making a bet. And those bets could define the future of multiple franchises.
The quarterbacks beyond Mendoza fall into what scouts often describe as the “projection tier.” Each player brings something compelling. Each player also carries real concerns. Some lack experience. Others are coming off injuries. A few have elite tools but questionable consistency. In almost every case, teams will have to prioritize potential over certainty. That is what makes this group so fascinating. There is upside across the board. But very little safety.
Here are the list of QBs that NFL teams might target beyond Mendoza.
1. Ty Simpson , Alabama
Among this group, Ty Simpson stands closest to being QB2. He is a rhythm-based passer who thrives on timing, footwork, and quick decision-making. His processing speed is often highlighted as his biggest strength, allowing him to operate efficiently within structured offenses.
But there are concerns. Simpson has only 15 career starts, and injuries have disrupted his development. That limited sample size makes evaluation difficult. Teams see the flashes, but they also see the gaps.
Still, his connection to quarterback-needy teams and recent private workouts suggest he will be one of the first names called after Mendoza.
He may not be a finished product. But he might be the safest gamble in an uncertain tier.
2. Garrett Nussmeier , LSU
Garrett Nussmeier represents the classic boom-or-bust prospect.
He plays with aggression. Confidence. A willingness to attack tight windows that few quarterbacks even attempt. His anticipation and playmaking instincts make him one of the most exciting evaluators in the class.
At his best, he looks like a future star. At his worst, he looks reckless. An injury-plagued 2025 season raised additional concerns. Playing through abdominal issues clearly impacted his performance and caused his draft stock to slide.
But the upside remains undeniable. For teams willing to embrace risk, Nussmeier offers something others in this class do not. Game-breaking potential.
3. Carson Beck , Miami
Carson Beck might be the most polarizing quarterback in this group. On paper, he checks a lot of boxes.
He is experienced. Accurate. Efficient. His 72.4 percent completion rate in 2025 led the nation, showcasing his ability to operate within an offense and deliver consistent results. But questions linger.
A previous UCL injury has raised concerns about his arm strength. Some scouts worry that his ceiling is limited, labeling him as more of a high-floor game manager than a true difference-maker.
That comparison will follow him throughout the draft process. For some teams, Beck represents stability. For others, he represents limitation.
4. Drew Allar , Penn State
Drew Allar is the prototype. At 6-foot-5 with a powerful arm, he looks exactly like what NFL teams envision when they build a quarterback in a lab. His physical tools are undeniable, and his upside is easy to imagine.
The problem is translating those tools into production. Allar has often been criticized for conservative play and a lack of high-level throws against elite defenses. The talent is there, but the consistency is not.
That makes him a developmental project. A quarterback who may not be ready now, but could become something special with the right coaching and system.
He is not a safe pick. But he might be the highest ceiling player in this tier.
5. Cole Payton , North Dakota State
Every draft has a sleeper. In 2026, that player might be Cole Payton. Coming from a smaller program, Payton does not carry the same spotlight as others on this list. But what he does bring is athleticism, versatility, and intrigue.
He is a true dual-threat quarterback capable of impacting the game both through the air and on the ground. His skill set has already drawn comparisons to previous North Dakota State prospects who successfully transitioned to the NFL.
The biggest question is competition level. How will his game translate against faster, stronger, more complex defenses? For teams willing to invest in development, Payton could become a valuable long-term project.
Two names loom over this entire conversation. Arch Manning and Nico Iamaleava. Both were initially expected to be part of this draft class. Both have chosen to return to college, removing themselves from the 2026 equation. Their absence is significant. Because with them, this class might have had more clarity. Without them, the uncertainty only grows.
