With the Scouting Combine over and the pro day circuit underway, we’re starting to get a more complete picture of the 2026 NFL Draft class. Film, production, athletic testing, interviews, and medical evaluations come together to make a profile of a player, which makes it easier to map out the talent. Over the next few weeks, I will be going through position by position and ranking the 2026 Draft Class, with more attention being paid to positional groups the Eagles may be more interested in.
At quarterback,
the Eagles have their guy in Jalen Hurts. Even after a disappointing season, the Super Bowl LIX MVP will lead the offense in 2026 with a new offensive coordinator and he should bounce back with a strong season. After Hurts, it’s possible the Eagles trade Tanner McKee to a QB-needy team, leaving them with a hole at QB2. If that happens, it’s possible the team adds a veteran backup in free agency and then they may want a young guy for depth and development.
The 2026 quarterback class is … well, let’s just say it is good the Eagles don’t need a new signal caller. There is a clear cut top player, but he’s far from a blue chip prospect, and the rest of the class is not exactly inspiring. Here is how the class shakes out.
1) Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza just had one of the best quarterbacking seasons in college football history. Only seven other signal callers have ever won the Heisman and National Championship in the same season while also going undefeated, with the last one being Joe Burrow.
In his first season at Indiana after transferring from Cal, Mendoza ran the offense like a clock. He was reliable at getting the ball to the Hoosier playmakers and came up in big moments when the team needed him most. He is a poised, smart quarterback who throws an accurate, catchable ball.
Mendoza had a nearly perfect season, but his NFL prospects are not without question. He is a good, not great athlete who fits into the more traditional pocket passer mold. His arm is above NFL average, but only just. He relies on great timing and a quick release to offset ball velocity. If his feet aren’t set, the ball loses a ton of zip and he is far less dangerous as a passer. He has had a bad tendency over his college career to take sacks, but he did improve every year with this concern.
Overall, Mendoza can bring a high character, reliable dynamic to a quarterback needy team. If he continues to improve at the rate he did across three years in college, there is no reason he cannot be a top ten quarterback in the NFL. Whoever drafts him will be betting on his intangibles a lot more than his physical gifts.
Pro Comparison: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
2) Ty Simpson, Alabama
Ty Simpson enjoyed a really solid first year starting at Alabama before making the head scratching decision to declare for the NFL draft.
At 6’1”, 211 pounds, Ty Simpson is on the shorter side for an NFL quarterback, though he does have a good build to withstand mileage in the pocket. His physical tools overall are fine, with a solid arm and good athleticism. Simpson’s strengths are his ability to run an offense, getting out the ball on time and rarely missing on high percentage throws. He is a game manager+ that can also move the ball with his feet if needed.
Simpson’s one year starting saw hot streaks and cold streaks, as to be expected by such a green player. Tougher defenses really baffled him, with his worst games coming in the last four games of the Alabama season, including the playoffs. He lets bad plays snowball and panics when his first read isn’t available.
A desperate team may draft Ty Simpson with a first round pick, but they will need to be patient if he is to realize his NFL potential. Hopefully he is not thrust into a bad situation early and can come along slowly.
Pro Comparison: JJ McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
The Rest
- Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
- Taylen Green, Arkansas
- Carson Beck, Miami
- Drew Allar, Penn State
- Cade Clubnik, Clemson
