QB Class Breakdown w/ Brady Quinn: 2026 vs 2027

In this episode of The MMQB NFL Podcast, host Albert Breton welcomes former Notre Dame and NFL quarterback Brady Quinn to break down the 2026 and 2027 quarterback drafts. The conversation centers on Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, who Quinn praises for his poise, discipline, and clutch performances despite a limited college offensive scheme. Quinn emphasizes Mendoza’s strong fit with the Raiders’ system and the mentorship of Kirk Cousins and Tom Brady, calling him a perfect blueprint for a modern NFL quarterback. Ty Simpson, the second-rounder to the Rams, is lauded for his arm talent and battle-tested experience, though concerns remain about his lack of starting reps. Quinn also highlights the depth and quality of the 2027 class, spotlighting prospects like Dante Moore, CJ Carr, Arch Manning, and Julian Sane as potential top-tier talents. He stresses the importance of quarterback experience, preparation, and the evolving role of veteran mentors in development. The episode concludes with reflections on how early specialization and financial stability are shaping a new generation of elite quarterbacks. Key takeaways include: 1) Experience and preparation matter more than raw talent in the NFL; 2) The 2027 quarterback class is historically deep and talented; 3) A quarterback’s success is heavily influenced by team environment and mentorship; 4) Modern quarterbacks are more polished and specialized from a young age; 5) The role of veteran quarterbacks in developing rookies is invaluable. Quinn’s insights underscore a shift in how teams evaluate and develop QBs, with a growing emphasis on mental toughness, adaptability, and long-term development over immediate production.