NFL executives are starting to evaluate the 2026 NFL Draft class and many have come to the same conclusion. This might be a dry year for talented quarterbacks.
As recently as late summer, league evaluators expected a strong rebound class, perhaps not the historic 2024 haul with six QBs taking in the first 12 picks, but certainly deeper than the thin 2025 group that included Colorado's Shedeur Sanders going in the fifth round after a free fall. The son of Deion Sanders was initially projected to be a first-rounder.
Instead, college quarterbacks underperforming across the board this fall and confidence in the position has plummeted in the minds of evaluators.
“Nobody is playing the position well enough to be like, ‘That dude can take over my franchise,’” an NFL executive told The Athletic.
The implications are significant. Teams such as the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns, both armed with multiple first-round picks and pressing quarterback needs, may find far fewer options. Especially for the Browns who took Sanders and Oregon's Dillon Gabriel as a project run. Neither have worked out and will be cycled through.
Whoever has the top pick might want to punt
The Tennessee Titans, who will likely end up holding a top three pick, might want to consider dumping out for next year.
There is time for evaluations to shift, but early scouting has offered little clarity. There is no Caleb Williams, no Jayden Daniels, no surefire top-tier talent. As another NFL executive said, “We’re trying to grasp onto somebody because there isn’t anybody. … Good luck right now.”
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza has made the strongest case to date for QB1 status, earning praise for his size, processing and accuracy. But even his supporters acknowledge the margin is thin. Alabama’s Ty Simpson has delivered the best tape of the group, though evaluators remain concerned about his limited starting experience. Oregon’s Dante Moore and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers possess tantalizing upside but inconsistent play; both may be better served returning to school.
Texas' star needs more development in next year
Arch Manning is widely expected to stay at Texas despite showing steady improvement. He was projected as the top option, but those days are long gone at this point. He'll be better suited to stay put and get reps under his belt.
After only two quarterbacks went in the first round in 2025, many around the league expected a rebound. Now the sentiment is shifting again.
More: Where every SEC quarterback ranks on ESPN's power rankings
“Overall, we were hoping it was going to be better than last year,” a third executive said. “The expectations of the higher-end players never really materialized.”
For teams banking on 2026 to solve their quarterback problems, it may already be time to wait for 2027.
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