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The 2026 NFL Draft quarterback rankings are the defining storyline of this cycle. Beyond Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, many evaluators are already turning their attention to 2027. The depth is limited, and there isn’t a surplus of plug-and-play Day 1 starters — but there is legitimate developmental upside embedded within this group. QB1 is clear: Fernando Mendoza. A Heisman winner and precision-based pocket passer, he wins with anticipation, layered accuracy, and advanced processing speed. His timing, command, and subtle pocket movement project cleanly to a pro-style system, and some scouts view him as the safest quarterback in the class. Behind Mendoza, the QB2 conversation will likely center on Alabama’s Ty Simpson and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier as the NFL Combine unfolds. Simpson brings mechanical consistency and starter-level tools but requires patience and structure. Nussmeier offers gunslinger confidence and arm talent, with week-to-week consistency and durability shaping his ultimate ceiling. This isn’t a generational quarterback group — it’s a projection-heavy class built on development, scheme fit, and long-term upside. Go to other positional grades: QB  | RB | WR  | TE  | OL  | IDL  | Edge  | LB  | CB  | SAF 2026 NFL Draft Quarterback Rankings 1). Fernando Mendoza, 6’5”, 225 lbs, Indiana Grade Tier:  Near Elite NFL Projection:  Top 5 Overall Pick Analysis: Elite anticipation and layered accuracy define Mendoza’s profile. He wins from the pocket with advanced processing speed, calm progression work, and red-zone efficiency. While he lacks rare arm talent or high-end off-script creation, his timing, decision-making, and structure-based command give him one of the highest floors in the class. A rhythm-based offense built on protection and timing maximizes his ceiling. 2). Ty Simpson, 6’2”, 208 lbs, Alabama Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  Late 1st – 2nd Round Analysis: Mechanical consistency and tempo-based processing anchor Simpson’s projection. He operates comfortably in structure with good risk management and functional mobility. However, average arm strength and uneven deep-ball timing create projection variance. His ceiling depends on improved anticipation and stronger pocket command against pressure-heavy NFL looks. 3). Garrett Nussmeier, 6’2”, 200 lbs, LSU Grade Tier:  Mid-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Analysis: Aggressive mentality and timing confidence define Nussmeier’s game. He attacks intermediate and vertical windows with conviction and shows natural layering ability when protected. Under pressure, his mechanics and decision-making can unravel, and durability questions linger. He profiles as a system-dependent starter or high-level backup in a timing-based offense. 4). Carson Beck, 6’4”, 220 lbs, Miami Grade Tier:  Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  3rd–4th Round Analysis: Experience and structure-based command drive Beck’s projection. He distributes efficiently in rhythm and manages the offense like a point guard when protected. Limited mobility and average arm velocity cap his ceiling, and pressure consistently exposes mechanical breakdowns. Best suited for a timing-heavy West Coast structure. 5). Drew Allar, 6’5”, 240 lbs, Penn State Grade Tier:  Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  3rd–4th Round Analysis: Rare arm strength and prototype size fuel Allar’s upside. At his best, he drives throws to all levels with NFL-caliber velocity. However, inconsistent pocket feel and deteriorating mechanics under pressure create boom-or-bust volatility. His development curve will determine whether he becomes a starter or remains a traits-based backup. 6). Cole Payton, 6’3”, 233 lbs, North Dakota State Grade Tier:  Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th–5th Round Analysis: Dual-threat ability and structured accuracy highlight Payton’s projection. He brings legitimate RPO and play-action value with plus athleticism and poise for a first-year starter. Processing against rotating coverage and limited deep-drive velocity remain developmental hurdles. High-upside backup with starter traits if refined. 7). Luke Altmyer, 6’2”, 205 lbs, Illinois Grade Tier:  Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  5th Round Analysis: Competitive temperament and rhythm passing anchor Altmyer’s outlook. He operates efficiently in structure and shows workable anticipation in the intermediate game. However, limited velocity and pressure-based mechanical breakdowns cap his ceiling. Projects as a developmental QB2 with spot-start potential. 8). Diego Pavia, 5’10”, 207 lbs, Vanderbilt Grade Tier:  Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  5th–6th Round Analysis: Improvisational toughness and off-script playmaking define Pavia’s profile. He thrives in chaos and extends plays with mobility and competitive edge. Size, arm strength, and deep-ball trajectory limit long-term projection, making him a scheme-dependent developmental option. 9). Cade Klubnik, 6’2”, 210 lbs, Clemson Grade Tier:  Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  6th Round Analysis: Timing, touch, and mobility within structure shape Klubnik’s projection. He delivers a catchable football and executes movement-based concepts efficiently. However, limited drive velocity and inconsistent post-snap processing restrict his ceiling to developmental backup territory. 10). Miller Moss, 6’2”, 205 lbs, USC Grade Tier:  Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  6th–7th Round Analysis: Quick release and short-to-intermediate precision define Moss’s game. He operates cleanly in play-action and quick-game concepts but lacks boundary velocity and explosive downfield ability. Projects as a system-dependent QB2 in a timing-heavy offense. 11). Joe Fagnano, 6’4”, 225 lbs, Connecticut Grade Tier:  Not NFL Level NFL Projection:  Priority Free Agent Analysis: Experience and ball security headline Fagnano’s profile, but limited arm talent, elongated mechanics, and poor pressure response restrict his NFL ceiling. Projects as a camp arm rather than a long-term roster piece. How We Grade the Quarterback Position Quarterbacks are evaluated primarily on processing speed, accuracy, and the ability to create sustainable offensive efficiency from the pocket. Grades are driven by how consistently a passer can diagnose coverage pre- and post-snap, operate within structure, and deliver the football on time and in rhythm. In today’s NFL, winning from the pocket remains the foundation — off-script ability is a bonus, not the baseline. Key factors include anticipation, ball placement at all three levels, pressure response, and third-down conversion ability. We heavily weigh pocket movement, internal clock discipline, turnover-worthy play rate, and command at the line of scrimmage. Arm strength and mobility matter, but decision-making consistency, coverage identification, and situational awareness carry the most weight. The highest-graded quarterbacks are those who elevate the structure around them rather than relying solely on athletic traits or scheme manufacturing. Football Scout 365 Grade Scale Elite NFL Projection:  Top 5–10 Picks (1st Round) Franchise-altering talent with elite physical tools, advanced processing, and minimal weaknesses. Immediate high-impact starter with difference-making ability. Near Elite NFL Projection:  Mid-to-Late 1st Round High-level prospect with strong traits and football intelligence. Expected to become a major contributor early in their career with Pro Bowl upside. High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Projects as a quality NFL starter with strong tools and functional traits. May require refinement, but offers consistent impact with development. Mid-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th–5th Round Dependable starter or high-end rotational player. Solid athletic profile with some limitations that cap ceiling or require scheme fit. Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  6th–7th Round Developmental prospect with starter upside in defined roles. Inconsistencies in technique, processing, or durability limit long-term ceiling. Backup Level NFL Projection:  Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) Depth player or rotational piece. Functional traits but limited upside for a long-term starting role. Not NFL Level NFL Projection:  Unlikely to Make NFL Roster Significant developmental needs across athleticism, technique, or processing. Long-shot to stick at the NFL level.

Elijah Sarratt has established himself as one of the most dependable and physically dominant wide receivers in college football. At 6’2”, 209 pounds, the Indiana playmaker wins with strong hands, detailed route discipline, and a calm, competitive edge that consistently shows up in critical moments. A former zero-star recruit, Sarratt’s rise through three programs reflects his toughness, consistency, and steady development. He began his career at Saint Francis (PA), earning FCS Freshman All-America and First-Team All-NEC honors in 2022 after tying the program’s single-season touchdown record. That breakout season put him on the national radar and opened the door to the FBS level, where his production and polish only continued to climb. After transferring to James Madison in 2023, Sarratt caught 82 passes for 1,191 yards and eight touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Sun Belt honors while establishing himself as one of the most reliable receivers in the Group of Five. When head coach Curt Cignetti accepted the Indiana job, Sarratt followed him to the Big Ten and proved once again that his game translates anywhere. He became a Third-Team All-Big Ten selection in 2024 and the focal point of the Hoosiers’ offense, closing the 2025 season with 62 receptions, 800 yards, and 15 touchdowns, including two scores in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Oregon. Elijah Sarratt Film Summary Sarratt wins through timing, detail, and control. His route tempo, balance, and leverage manipulation allow him to separate without relying on speed. He thrives in the middle of the field, using body control and strength to finish through contact. His catch-point concentration and situational awareness make him a reliable target in traffic and late-down situations. Ideal Scheme Fit Fits best in timing-based spread or pro-style offenses built on rhythm and precision. Projects as a power slot or boundary X capable of handling contact, converting critical downs, and operating efficiently in congested areas. Key Strengths (Film-Based Traits) Polished Route Detail:  Uses pace, leverage, and smart angles to separate; rarely wastes motion. Reliable at the Catch Point:  Strong, confident hands with excellent concentration through contact. Poise Under Pressure:  Calm, competitive, and clutch. Developmental Areas (Growth Opportunities) Limited Vertical Burst:  Lacks elite deep speed to consistently stretch defenses. Release Craft:  Must refine hand usage and footwork to defeat physical corners early in reps. Average Catch Radius:  Adequate but not elite length for above-the-rim plays. Unique Playstyle Comparison Keenan Allen’s route precision, start-stop efficiency, and separation skill, paired with Mike Evans’ physicality at the catch point and contested-catch dominance. NFL Draft Grade High-End Starter Potential  - A refined, high-floor receiver who brings instant reliability, toughness, and professional polish to an NFL offense. Draft Projection: Day Two (2nd–3rd Round)

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez Jacob Rodriguez is a high-IQ, tone-setting linebacker who thrives on instincts, effort, and physicality. At 6’1”, 230 pounds, he’s slightly undersized by prototype standards but compensates with excellent processing speed, closing burst, and a knack for creating turnovers. A converted quarterback, Rodriguez brings advanced football intelligence and leadership to the second level, serving as the vocal centerpiece of Texas Tech’s defense. Film Summary Rodriguez’s tape highlights an instinctive playmaker who diagnoses plays early and triggers downhill with authority. His range and pursuit angles stand out in zone-match concepts, and he consistently arrives at the football with violent intent. He plays bigger than his frame, using leverage and timing to defeat blocks and finish in traffic. In coverage, he’s most comfortable in zone drops where his route anticipation and eyes on the quarterback allow him to undercut passing lanes. He’s a natural playmaker, recording 7 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions in 2025, showcasing his turnover-creating instincts. While his physical traits limit him in man coverage and his size can show up when engaged by interior linemen, Rodriguez compensates with toughness, processing, and effort. Ideal Scheme Fit Best suited as a MIKE or WILL linebacker in a 4-3 or hybrid 4-2-5 system that allows him to read, diagnose, and flow freely to the football. Key Strengths High football IQ:  Elite pre-snap processing and fast key-and-trigger response. Physical run defender:  Delivers forceful strikes, sets tone inside the box. Turnover creation:  Instinctive ball-hawk with advanced strip and pursuit technique. Effort and leadership:  Relentless motor and vocal presence on and off the field. Developmental Areas Size and take-on strength:  Can get washed out when facing power at the point of attack. Tackling angles in space:  Occasional over-pursuit when scraping laterally. Man-coverage matchups:  Struggles to mirror athletic RBs and TEs in isolation. Grade and Projection Summary Football Scout 365 Grade:   High-End Starter Potential Instinctive, assignment-sound linebacker who wins with processing, toughness, and leadership. NFL Draft Projection:   Day 2 (3rd Round Range) Pro Comparison:   Josey Jewell / David Long Jr. hybrid  — instinctive, compact linebacker who thrives in flow-and-fit systems. Final Analysis Jacob Rodriguez embodies the modern cerebral linebacker — quick to diagnose, relentless to finish, and trusted to quarterback a defense. His film shows a consistent playmaker capable of impacting all three downs, even without elite measurables. With his toughness, football IQ, and knack for generating turnovers, Rodriguez profiles as an immediate contributor on special teams and an eventual starter in a multiple 4-3 front.

The Football Scout 365 NFL Draft Big Board elevates player rankings with an innovative approach. We offer individual film-based player grades, tailored assessments of scheme fit, comprehensive player comparisons, and more to provide you with a thorough understanding of each prospect's potential. Top of Page NFL DRAFT BIG BOARD YEAR OFF/DEF POS 2026 1 S Caleb Downs Ohio State PROFILE 2 RB Jeremiyah Love Notre Dame PROFILE 3 QB Fernando Mendoza Indiana PROFILE 4 ED Rueben Bain Miami PROFILE 5 LB Arvell Reese Ohio State PROFILE 6 LB Sonny Styles Ohio State PROFILE 7 ED David Bailey Texas Tech PROFILE 8 OT Spencer Fano Utah PROFILE 9 WR Carnell Tate Ohio State PROFILE 10 IOL Olaivavega Ioane Penn State PROFILE 11 TE Kenyon Sadiq Oregon PROFILE 12 OT Francis Mauigoa Miami PROFILE 13 ED Akheem Mesidor Miami PROFILE 14 CB Mansoor Delane LSU PROFILE 15 WR Makai Lemon USC PROFILE 16 WR Jordyn Tyson Arizona State PROFILE 17 CB Jermod McCoy Tennessee PROFILE 18 IDL Peter Woods Clemson PROFILE 19 S Dillon Thieneman Oregon PROFILE 20 IDL Kayden McDonald Ohio State PROFILE 21 WR Denzel Boston Washington PROFILE 22 LB C.J. Allen Georgia PROFILE 23 WR Omar Cooper Jr. Indiana PROFILE 24 OT Kadyn Proctor Alabama PROFILE 25 CB Colton Hood Tennessee PROFILE First Prev Page 1 Next Last

Football Scout 365 provides NFL Draft analysis, player rankings, player grades, advanced stats, fantasy football analysis, and more. 2026 NFL Draft Positional Rankings Hub | Complete Player Grades and Scouting Reports The 2026 NFL Draft Positional Rankings Hub is your central resource for complete player grades, in-depth scouting analysis, and projected draft ranges across every position group. From premium defensive talent to modern offensive playmakers, this hub organizes the full 2026 NFL Draft board in one place, giving you structured rankings and evaluation tiers as the class continues to take shape. 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Pre-Combine Top 100 Rankings 2026 NFL Draft Big Board reveals a class defined by starter-level depth and selective top-end talent. With 18 First-Round grades and 62 Day Two grades, this cycle emphasizes plug-and-play offensive contributors and elite defensive versatility. Headlined by Caleb Downs and Jeremiyah Love, the 2026 NFL Draft class offers perimeter strength, front-seven impact, and strong roster-building value. 1 S Caleb Downs Ohio State VIEW PROFILE 3 QB Fernando Mendoza Indiana VIEW PROFILE 5 LB Arvell Reese Ohio State VIEW PROFILE 7 ED David Bailey Texas Tech VIEW PROFILE 9 WR Carnell Tate Ohio State VIEW PROFILE 2 RB Jeremiyah Love Notre Dame VIEW PROFILE 4 ED Rueben Bain Miami VIEW PROFILE 6 LB Sonny Styles Ohio State VIEW PROFILE 8 OT Spencer Fano Utah VIEW PROFILE 10 IOL Olaivavega Ioane Penn State VIEW PROFILE TOP 10 NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS VIEW ALL RANKINGS Malik Benson’s Draft Stock Is Rising Ahead of the 2026 NFL Combine #shorts #foryou Play Video Cole Payton’s Draft Stock Could Skyrocket at the NFL Combine 👀 #shorts #foryou Play Video Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson Lead 2026 NFL Draft QB Rankings #shorts #foryou Play Video Jeremiyah Love, Jonah Coleman Lead The 2026 NFL Draft RB Rankings #shorts #foryou Play Video Play Video Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Close FEATURED CONTENT 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Pre-Combine Top 100 Rankings Brandon Lundberg 22 minutes ago 2026 NFL Scouting Combine: Quarterbacks With the Most to Gain Brandon Lundberg 2 days ago 2026 NFL Draft Quarterback Rankings: Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson Headline A Weak QB Class Brandon Lundberg 2 days ago 2026 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings: Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price Headline a Top-Heavy RB Class Brandon Lundberg 3 days ago 2026 NFL Draft Positional Rankings Hub | Complete Player Grades and Scouting Reports Brandon Lundberg 4 days ago 2026 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings: Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon Lead a Deep WR Class Brandon Lundberg 4 days ago 2026 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings: Kenyon Sadiq, Eli Stowers Lead a Versatile, Projection-Heavy Class Brandon Lundberg 6 days ago 2026 NFL Draft Offensive Line Rankings: Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa Headline Deep Class Brandon Lundberg 7 days ago VIEW ALL ANALYSIS

< Back Lee Hunter Texas Tech HT: 6040 WT: 325 YR: SR POS: IDL OVR RK 33 POS RK CEILING POTENTIAL High-End Starter Potential OVR RK PLAYSTYLE & SCHEME FIT Hunter is a massive, powerful interior presence built to control the A-gaps in both odd and even fronts. With a broad frame and elite wingspan, he wins at the point of attack with leverage, violent hands, and functional explosiveness off the snap. He consistently resets the line of scrimmage versus single blocks and has the strength to survive and recover against double teams. While not a dynamic gap penetrator or high-end pass rusher, he collapses the pocket with power and forces quarterbacks off their spot. Hunter projects as an early-down tone-setter and rotational interior anchor who can develop into a full-time starting nose tackle in a power-based defensive scheme. CEILING GRADE ANALYSIS High-End Starter Potential (65-69) A player expected to become a top-tier starter within their first few years. They possess strong physical tools and good technical skills but may have some limitations in their game. With development, they can reach near-elite levels and provide consistent impact at their position. Primary scout: Brandon Lundberg KEY STRENGTHS Elite size Strong leverage/Hand Use Effective two-gap anchor KEY WEAKNESSES Limited pass-rush arsenal Pad level vs. double teams Rotational stamina questions PLAYER COMPARISONS DJ Reader Malik Benson’s Draft Stock Is Rising Ahead of the 2026 NFL Combine #shorts #foryou Play Video Cole Payton’s Draft Stock Could Skyrocket at the NFL Combine 👀 #shorts #foryou Play Video Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson Lead 2026 NFL Draft QB Rankings #shorts #foryou Play Video Jeremiyah Love, Jonah Coleman Lead The 2026 NFL Draft RB Rankings #shorts #foryou Play Video Play Video Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Close