Wait for the Third QB: Who's Next After Mendoza and Simpson?

The Quarterback Landscape for the 2026 NFL Draft

The anticipation surrounding the 2026 NFL Draft is palpable, especially for quarterbacks. With Indiana's Fernando Mendoza set to be the first overall pick by the Raiders and Alabama's Ty Simpson likely going late in the first round, the spotlight now shifts to who might follow them.

However, consensus on who the third quarterback will be is anything but clear. The landscape is troubled with uncertainty, as many of the remaining prospects are slipping down the draft boards, and it may take until the later rounds for them to hear their names called.

Quarterback Rankings

Leading the pack behind Mendoza and Simpson is Garrett Nussmeier from LSU. However, his trajectory has not been straightforward. After starting his final season with significant buzz, his stock slipped due to injuries and taking too many sacks. As the son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, expectations were high, yet his performance has left scouts questioning whether he can maintain NFL-level consistency.

Similarly, Drew Allar of Penn State faced struggles culminating in a season-ending ankle injury. His stats may look decent on paper (63.2% completion, 61 touchdowns), but there are valid concerns about his ability to thrive in the NFL environment. When fit, he shows promise as a runner, but durability is a sticking point.

Other Contenders

Then there's Cade Klubnik from Clemson, who too faced a disappointing season, leaving him off the first-round radar completely. The hype he carried in early 2025 has evaporated, making it unclear if he will even hear his name called before the third day of the draft.

Carson Beck from Miami stands out somewhat. He improved his stock after transferring from Georgia and guiding Miami to the national championship game. However, like others, he is more likely to be a mid-round pick than an early selection.

The Wild Card: Taylen Green

One name that has captured my attention is Taylen Green. His performance at the Scouting Combine was electrifying, showcasing a remarkable 4.36-second 40-yard dash coupled with a jaw-dropping 43.5-inch vertical leap. At 6-foot-6, Green seems to possess all the physical attributes. Yet, his passing statistics in college, where he played two years each at Boise State and Arkansas, were less than stellar. Still, when it comes to the draft, remember: all it takes is one team believing in a player to change the narrative.

What Lies Ahead?

So, what does this mean for the other quarterbacks vying to be the third? While it's clear that after Mendoza and Simpson, the draft order is unpredictable, it only takes one team to see the potential in a late-round prospect. Yet, it seems more likely that the rest of this group may have to endure a long wait on draft day.

"The NFL Draft is as much about strategy as it is about hope. Each of these young quarterbacks carries a story filled with potential, yet not all will translate those dreams into reality on the field."

As we inch closer to the draft, it's essential to remember that while early selections draw significant attention, the day's true drama often unfolds in the later rounds. For fans and analysts alike, the suspense of who fills the quarterback spots in the draft is sure to be thrilling.