2026 Rookie QB Rankings
I haven’t been as consistent in putting some posts up since I moved out to Montana. However, one of my favorite blogs to write about each year is ranking the incoming quarterback class. I progressively have gotten to this post later each year so it is less about projection or prediction on what team drafts them but rather about projection for a great career.
As always, it is a great time to figuratively “plant your flag” on who will rise up from the group to have the best career of their class.
Let’s get into it!
Honorable mentions: Taylen Green - Cleveland Browns
Green lands in one of the worst QB rooms of the entire NFL. There is no clearer QB1 on this roster, so the opportunity to get meaningful playing time is super high for him. His athleticism is familiar for Todd Monken who was just recently running an offense lead by one of the preeminent running quarterbacks in the league back in Baltimore. I think he will have some highlight plays in his few starts this season!
Jalon Daniels - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
While he wasn’t dreafted by the Bucs, he did sign with the team as an undrafted free agent. I was always a fan of him at Kansas where he stayed for his entire college career. He has a dual threat capability and should be a solid backup behind Baker Mayfield for this season. He’s flashed some of his upside and poise during the Bucs’ reason game the other day. His biggest downside is his height as he is on the smaller side at just over six foot, but he has proven he can learn a modern system and execute!
5) Garrett Nusmeier - Kansas City Chiefs
Nussmeier was on pace to be a first round pick in the draft his year, but ultimately had a rough year in 2025 which knocked him down draft boards. I think he will be a decent back up in the league. Hopefully he doesn’t have to start games this season because that would mean Mahomes would be out. I do think he can excel in the right scenario, but he may have pretty limited opportunities to prove his capabilities as a pocket passer can translate to the league. He will probably be a backup that will have an above average career in terms of years as a pro.
4) Cade Klubnik - New York Jets
Cade was a fourth round pick to the Jets this year and is currently a hot name on social media for looking better than Geno Smith in joint practices. He also had a similar trajectory as the name above on this list before having a down statiscal season at Clemson. It may work out in the end as he landed in a great spot to get first team reps. Cade was a highly touted prospect throughout college, so I think he has a chance to prove he still has it before the midway point of the season. He probably ends up starting eight or more games this season.
3) Ty Simpson - Las Angeles Rams
The draft capital speaks for itself in the selection of Simpson for the Rams. He sat for several years on the bench to learn the game and then showcase he can implement it at Alabama in his one season as a starter in 2025. It is risky to bet on a player with so few starts to his name, but I am very bullish on learning the offensive scheme that Sean McVay runs. Stafford has had phenomenal numbers since he was traded to the Rams and Simpson has the potential to step-in as a the heir apparent when Staffrod does hang up the cleats in the next few years. Getting drafted to this offensive minded head coach gives him the second biggest ramp to success in this class. I think he offers little to no benefit as a rushing QB though which is why I think he will not quite reach the ceiling of the quarterbacks ahead of him on this list.
2) Drew Allar - Pittsburgh Steelers
I will admit, I was not a fan of his potential as a passer in the NFL, but I do like that he gets to come into the league and take a ‘redshirt’ year working in an offensive system that has more professional elements to it than what he was running at Penn State. Also, the new head coach of the Steelers, Mike McCarthy, has a history with getting his quarterbacks to reach incredible statistic heights. From prime Aaron Rodgers (MVP seasons) to more recently Dak Prescott in Dallas having some incredible years, I do think that Allar will get his shot to lead the team and could very well be a starting NFL QB. While I think Simpson has the second biggest ramp to being a starter in the NFL, Allar has the raw talent that can put him in the teirs of Allen and Herbert level of play should all things come together. I think that if he doesn’t get “thrown to the wolves” too early he could reach that high ceiling.
1) Fernando Mendoza - Las Vegas Raiders
Man, he has the best landing spot for the number one pick in the draft in the last decade. After seeing what Klint Kubiak can implement into an offensive system on multiple teams over the last few years, it is incredibly exciting to see Fernando be able to develop under the next great offensive mind in the NFL. Mendoza is the biggest competitor and has great size for a quarterback. He talks about how important understanding and learning a system is, so I think he has the potential to be a real great quarterback in this league. Kubiak has Super Bowl experince and can build his team in a way that plays to the strength of Mendoza moving forward. While the team needs legit wide receviers still - and a lot more talent on defense - they have enough foundational offensive players to help Fernando develop on an accelerated timeline due to thier offensive play caller is the head coach. For the first time in my life, I truly believe the Raiders have a ramp to being competitive. While most people will say that Mendoza should be the best of his class, I truly belive he will become a top ten Quarterback in the league over the course of the next few years.
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