Worst QB Class in How Long? | Top 10 QBs in the 2026 NFL Draft
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In this episode of Firstdown Football, host Andrew Grudinskis breaks down the top 10 quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft, calling it one of the weakest quarterback classes in recent memory. With no clear first-round certainty beyond Fernando Mendoza, the class is marked by a lack of elite talent, inconsistent production, and recurring mechanical and decision-making flaws. Mendoza, the Heisman winner and national champion from Indiana, is ranked #1 due to his elite accuracy, poise, and ball security, despite concerns about deep-ball consistency and fit in complex NFL offenses. Ty Simpson and Garrett Nussmeier follow as polarizing but high-upside second-round prospects, while others like Haynes King, Luke Altmyer, and Cole Payton are seen as backup-level talents with significant developmental needs. The episode highlights a troubling trend: many highly touted prospects failed to deliver under pressure, reinforcing the idea that this class lacks true franchise quarterbacks. Despite the depth issues, Grudinskis emphasizes that the right coaching and scheme could unlock potential in several players. Key takeaways include the importance of quarterback decision-making and ball security over raw arm talent, the risks of drafting FCS or limited-snap quarterbacks, and the need for teams to prioritize development over immediate impact. The episode also underscores how a weak class elevates a single standout player like Mendoza, even if his ceiling isn't elite. Overall, the draft class is described as unimpressive, with most prospects projected as backups or late-round fliers. Grudinskis expresses cautious optimism for a few players but remains skeptical about the overall quality of the 2026 QB crop.
Fernando Mendoza is the only clear first-round QB in the 2026 class, thanks to elite accuracy and decision-making, not elite arm strength.
The 2026 QB class is among the weakest in years, with no true franchise-caliber prospects and many players lacking experience or consistency.
Arm strength and pocket presence are recurring weaknesses across the board, especially under pressure.
FCS quarterbacks like Cole Payton face a steep transition to the NFL, with limited track records against FBS competition.
Coaching and scheme fit will be critical for development, especially for high-upside but flawed players like Taylor Greene and Drew Aller.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to the 2026 QB Draft Class
Andrew Grudinskis introduces the episode, setting the tone that the 2026 quarterback class is one of the weakest in recent memory, with no clear first-round certainty beyond Fernando Mendoza.
Top 10 QBs: Haynes King to Luke Altmyer
Grudinskis ranks the bottom half of the top 10, highlighting Haynes King’s leadership and running ability but noting his struggles with reading defenses and pressure. Luke Altmyer is praised for accuracy and decision-making but criticized for limited arm strength and size.
Mid-Tier Prospects: Cole Payton to Drew Aller
Cole Payton is discussed as a high-potential but underdeveloped FCS quarterback with elite arm strength but poor mechanics. Taylor Greene is highlighted for his record-breaking combine numbers but criticized for inconsistent accuracy and poor pocket presence. Drew Aller is seen as a high-upside player with poor mechanics and inconsistency.
Top 5 QBs: Cade Klubnik to Carson Beck
Cade Klubnik is praised for athleticism and clutch moments but criticized for average arm strength and poor decision-making. Carson Beck is highlighted as a leader with elite arm strength and poise, though his streaky accuracy and tendency to force throws are concerns.
Top 3 QBs: Garrett Nussmeier to Ty Simpson
“He's a quick processor as well. His weaknesses are arm strength. We saw this kind of towards the end of the season. He was battling injury and had no run game and had no offensive line. But I think the arm strength concerns are still there. He's a historically bad deep ball out of all the quarterbacks to go in the first round in the last, I want to say 15, 20 years.”
“The 2026 QB class is among the weakest in years, with no true franchise-caliber prospects and many players lacking experience or consistency.”
“He's a historically bad deep ball out of all the quarterbacks to go in the first round in the last, I want to say 15, 20 years.”
“I think the arm strength concerns are still there. He's a historically bad deep ball out of all the quarterbacks to go in the first round in the last, I want to say 15, 20 years.”
Host
Fernando Mendoza
person
Andrew Grudinskis
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Ty Simpson
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Garrett Nussmeier
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Carson Beck
person
NFL Draft
other
Cade Klubnik
person
Indiana Hoosiers
other
Taylor Greene
person
Cole Payton
person
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