Like sands through the hour glass, so are the days of our NFL Draft Preparation… It doesn’t quite have the same ring to it that the class “Days of Our Lives” soap opera had but you get the point. It’s that time of year again where we take a look at each of the positions and the top prospects. Today we are focusing on the Quarterbacks. A year ago this appeared to be much more intriguing than it has actually turned out to be.
Fernando Mendoza, 6’5″ 225lbs, Indiana
Strengths
-Terrific processor of the game.
-One of the rare college QBs who throws guys open and can do it at multiple levels.
-Much tougher than people give him credit for.
-His run in the title game proved that he has some athleticism and is willing to take a beating.
-Handles the Blitz as well as any college QB has in some time.
-Excellent ball handler, ideal for RPO and play-action.
Weaknesses
-Arm strength is really good, but not outstanding.
-When he goes off-platform, the fundamentals disappear a bit.
-Tends to lock on a bit too long to targets.
-Will NFL teams be able to use him outside of the pocket?
Game Videos: vs Oregon, vs Ohio State, vs Penn State
Projection: He’s likely going to be the number one pick and with good reason. His list of victims in 2025 alone is worthy of a guy going at the top as he played and beat some of the best teams in CFB. That said, he will need a strong offensive line and solid running game with him. He is not going to step in and guide a team to greatness by himself. His comp seems to be Jared Goff which I think is appropriate. He’s a better athlete than Goff, but he doesn’t have nearly the arm strength. We shall see what the future has in store for the Heisman winner.
Ty Simpson, 6’2″ 205lbs, Alabama
Strengths
-I like how he processes. He’s very clear about going from one read to the next.
-Above average athlete who can do some damage outside the pocket.
-Really good footwork.
-Love his command at the line of scrimmage.
-Above average reader of defenses at pre-snap.
Weaknesses
-Has a very clear ‘pat’ of the ball prior to throwing. It’s not a major thing but nano-seconds count in the NFL.
-Can throw off the back foot a bit too much, especially with up the middle pressure.
-Just 15 starts in four years of college football.
-Five fumbles brings in ball security concerns.
Game Videos: vs Georgia, vs Missouri, vs Tennessee
Projection: Simpson is one of these guys who isn’t a first round talent but could very well go there. He has been linked with the Steelers by several of the top Draft experts and there is a lot to like. The problem for me is the small body of work and the stretch of really poor performances. He was a Heisman front-runner for the first eight or nine weeks and then stumbled. In his defense, his offensive line struggled and Bama had very little running game. The right situation could see him become a starter.
Drew Allar, 6’5″ 230lbs, Penn State
Strengths
-Can absolutely spin it.
-Pretty quick release for a guy as big as he is.
-The ball just pops off his hand – Josh Allen like.
-Typically takes care of the ball.
-Fearless runner who is willing to deliver a blow to a defender.
Weaknesses
-Pocket Presence is a concern. Doesn’t always step up and chooses to bail instead.
-Has to improve on his short area accuracy. It’s a huge must in the NFL.
-Footwork fundamentals are lacking and lead to bigger problems.
-I’m honestly not sure how well he reads the defense if at all.
Game Videos: vs Nevada, vs Oregon, vs FIU
Projection: If you started making the perfect NFL QB you’d probably start with Allar’s physical makeup. The problem is that there’s a lot more to playing quarterback than that. Someone is going to take a flyer on him on Day Three. I’m guessing it will be a team that already has a fairly entrenched QB that Allar can learn from. His biggest areas of improvement have to come on the mental side of the game. If he can clean those up and become much more adept at reading defenses etc, then he could be a steal.
Garrett Nussmeier, 6’1″ 200lbs, LSU
Strengths
-Short memory. He’s consistently aggressive.
-Looks the part of a coach’s son.
-He seems to have numerous arm angles from which to deliver accurate throws.
-Not a ridiculous arm, but he can spin it.
-Throws well on the run. Keeps his hips square.
Weaknesses
-Small hands measuring 8 6/8
-His overall stature is concerning. Barely 200lbs and right around 6’1″
-Does not always get through his progressions. Stays on first target too long.
-Recent injury history is concerning.
Game Videos: vs Ole Miss, vs Louisiana Tech, vs Vandy
Projection: The small hands are a concern. Just ask Kenny Pickett. Being the son of a college football coach shows up a lot in his overall demeanor. He “gets it” as they say. There’s no doubt his biggest issue will be his overall size. Can he handle the journey of a 17-game season at just 200lbs? I think he’s likely headed for a late Day Two selection. He’s a competitor and that’s not something you can teach. Coaches will like that he’s coachable and determined.
Carson Beck, 6’4″ 215lbs, Miami
Strengths
-Can’t argue the level of experience he brings to the table from time at Georgia to National Title Game at Miami.
-Has improved his decision-making over time for the most part.
-Confident pocket passer with ideal size.
-Processes as quickly as anyone other than Mendoza.
-Utilizes multiple arm angles.
Weaknesses
-Strong arm, but not a good deep-ball thrower. Has to improve on accuracy and overall delivery.
-Seemed to move better in the pocket this past year but has to do more in the NFL to evade the rush.
-Like many taller QBs, direct pressure up the middle and at his feet creates problems for him.
-What kind of “leader” is he? Seems to be a question that follows him.
Game Videos: vs Alabama 2024, vs Florida, vs South Florida
Projection: Beck is likely a Day 2 or Early Day 3 selection. I give him credit for battling back from a difficult injury at Georgia. I think he deals with adversity well situations like this. In-game adversity? That’s where I’m less confident. Two of Miami’s three losses ended with a Beck interception on pretty bad throws. He looked to me like a better scrambler this season but the overall athletic ability isn’t anything outstanding.
Cade Klubnik, 6’2″ 210lbs, Clemson
Strengths
-I’m a big fan of quick releases and he has one.
-Can throw from a number of arm angles without losing much zip on the ball.
-Love his toughness. Took a beating being a poor O-Line and never backed down.
-Strong athlete with a forty time around 4.7 or better.
-Above average deep ball thrower. Good touch.
Weaknesses
-Overall arm strength is a concern.
-Can often resort to running in situations where he can easily throw it.
-Processing after the snap is sketchy. Sometimes it’s solid and sometimes not so much.
-Likely needs high-caliber talent around him. Can’t do it himself.
Game Videos: vs South Carolina, vs Troy, vs LSU
Projection: Klubnik had a chance to be a top 20 pick had he come out after the 2024 season. He was that good for the Tigers in leading them to the CFP. Things went in reverse in 2025 though. I don’t put all of it on him, but there were moments he just didn’t look as good. Simple as that. He will need the right staff and the right system. Lots of play-action and RPOs blended with a strong offensive line. He strikes me as a fourth round guy mostly due to the regression and the lack of a big arm.
Taylen Green, 6’6″ 210lbs, Arkansas
Strengths
-He is an athletic freak in the best way possible.
-Forty time in the 4.4 or 4.5 range.
-Despite his speed, he’s more than willing to deliver a blow too.
-Beautiful deep ball thrower.
-Keeps his eyes down-field when scrambling.
Weaknesses
-Has to find consistency. Completion percentage fluctuates like the stock market.
-While fast and tough, he has to learn when to slide, get out of bounds and save his body.
-Needs work on his progressions. When to dump off, when to take the deep shots etc.
-His mechanics are a mixed bag. Looks good at times and then not so much at others.
Game Videos: vs Texas A&M, vs Tennessee 2024
Projection: Green is a fascinating prospect due to his athleticism but the turnovers and low completion percentage are an immediate red flag for me. He feels like a sixth round guy to me. Would I be surprised to see him go higher? No especially if he shines in the Combine and at his Pro Day. Teams will be enamored with his speed and big arm but he will benefit from being behind an established QB. If he’s called upon too quickly I don’t think it goes well. That said, the ceiling could be amazing for Green.
Other QBs to Consider: Sawyer Robertson, Baylor… Cole Payton, North Dakota State… Jalon Daniels, Kansas
