1 week ago
2
The quarterback position remains the heartbeat of the modern NFL, the one spot that can elevate a struggling roster into a playoff contender almost overnight. Teams searching for stability and star power in the 2026 NFL Draft will keep circling the same five names, each offering a different blueprint for how to rebuild a franchise around a young passer. These prospects combine production, traits, and poise in ways that give general managers real hope, not just for highlight throws on Sundays, but for long-term leadership in the locker room.
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, 6'5, 220 lbs (Projected top 5 Pick)Mendoza profiles as the classic franchise signal-caller, with the frame, vision, and command to run a pro-style offense from day one. He processes coverages quickly, works through progressions with calm feet, and shows enough mobility to extend plays without relying on scrambling.
Dante Moore, Oregon, 6'3, 210 lbs (Projected top 5 pick)Moore is the natural thrower of the group, lofting deep balls with touch and driving intermediate routes with clean mechanics. His game blends smooth pocket movement with the confidence to attack tight windows, giving coordinators freedom to stretch the field horizontally and vertically.
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss, 6'2, 215 lbs (Projected 2nd round pick)Chambliss brings creativity and playmaking juice, turning broken pockets into explosive gains. He thrives on second-reaction throws, slipping pressure, and firing on the move, the type of quarterback who can punish aggressive defenses when the initial read is covered.
Ty Simpson, Alabama, 6'2, 210 lbs (Projected 2nd round pick)Simpson wins with timing and precision, living in rhythm and punishing defenses that dare to sit in soft zones. His anticipation of outbreaking routes and his willingness to stand in against pressure make him a steady, high-floor option who can keep an offense on schedule.
Sawyer Robertson, Baylor, 6'4, 215 lbs (Projected 3rd round pick)Robertson offers an intriguing upside, combining size with enough arm strength to attack every level of the field. With refinement in his footwork and decision-making, he has the tools to grow from a developmental prospect into a reliable starter in a system that values structure and timing.
For quarterback-needy franchises, this class may not have a unanimous generational talent, but it does offer five distinct paths to stability and hope. Each of these passers can be viewed as a future starter, and the right marriage of scheme, coaching, and patience could turn any one of them into the face of a franchise for the next decade.
Advertisement
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Top 5 QB prospects
English (US) ·