As April rolls in, excitement builds for the 2026 NFL Draft happening in just three weeks in Pittsburgh. Mel Kiper Jr., an expert on all things NFL draft, recently updated his top player rankings, shifting focus, especially among quarterbacks.
Kiper’s Top 5 quarterbacks remain unchanged. Fernando Mendoza from Indiana holds the top spot. He’s had a standout 2025 season, leading Indiana to its first national championship. Mendoza threw for an impressive 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns, boasting a 72% completion rate.
In second place is Ty Simpson from Alabama. Simpson has been gaining significant buzz, with analysts like ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky suggesting he might even surpass Mendoza. Last year, Simpson had a strong season with 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns. However, doubts linger as he has only one year of starting experience.
Moving into the second tier, Carson Beck from Miami is leading the pack. Beck brings valuable experience, having won two national championships with Georgia before playing for Miami. He threw for 3,813 yards and 30 touchdowns last season.
Next is Drew Allar from Penn State. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 228 pounds, he has an NFL-ready build. After recovering from an ankle injury, Allar impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine. Despite his talent, scouts question his consistency during his college career.
Garrett Nussmeier from LSU rounds out Kiper’s top five. While he has NFL connections—being the son of a former NFL offensive coordinator—his performance last season fell short. Injuries hampered him, leading to fewer yards and touchdowns compared to his junior year.
Kiper’s latest ranking highlights Jalen Payton from North Dakota State, who climbed to sixth after showcasing impressive speed at the NFL Combine. Payton had a record-setting season with 3,496 yards and 29 total touchdowns.
Also noteworthy is Jaime Green, whose athleticism caught the eyes of scouts. He ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, further boosting his profile despite a mixed year statistically.
Cade Klubnik from Clemson holds steady at eighth. He amassed over 10,000 passing yards in college, but inconsistency limited his success, reflected in a mediocre win-loss record.
Luke Altmyer from Illinois seems to be on an upward trajectory too. His decision to return for a senior season paid off with career highs—3,007 passing yards and 22 touchdowns last year.
Completing the top ten is Kyron Robertson from Baylor. After two years battling injuries, he finally had a full season, throwing for 3,681 yards and 31 touchdowns.
Recent surveys show that NFL teams are increasingly valuing athleticism. A 2023 report indicated that over 60% of teams prioritize dual-threat quarterbacks, meaning those who can run and pass might get an extra look in the draft.
As the draft approaches, reactions on social media are lively, with fans and analysts sharing their predictions and opinions on these young stars. With every update, the anticipation grows for how these talented quarterbacks will shape the future of the NFL.
For more insights on the upcoming draft, you can check ESPN’s coverage here.
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Cade Klubnik (22 – Westlake),Carson Beck (20 – Mandarin),Cole Payton (21 – Westside),Diego Pavia (20 – Volcano Vista),Drew Allar (22 – Medina),Fernando Mendoza (22 – Columbus),Garrett Nussmeier (21 – Marcus),Luke Altmyer (21 – Starkville),Sawyer Robertson (21 – Coronado),Taylen Green (21 – Lewisville),Ty Simpson (22 – Westview)
