NFL combine: three quarterbacks with the most to prove

As the 2026 draft cycle moves into its most scrutinized weekend, one name sits well above the rest on the quarterback radar: Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. Scouts, front offices and pundits largely agree he’s the lock to be the first quarterback chosen, but the story after him is far less settled — and that uncertainty will shape board movement in Indianapolis.

Quarterback depth this year is thin at the kind of first-round, surefire traits teams covet. A trio of signal-callers — each with clear upside and clear red flags — will be under the microscope at the NFL Combine and in private workouts. How they perform in throwing sessions, medical checks and interviews will determine whether teams reach, wait or pivot at the top of Round 1 and beyond.

What teams are watching for in Indy and why this QB class matters for the 2026 NFL Draft

With one quarterback widely projected to go first, the real question for many franchises is which prospect can vault into the early picks once combine tape and interviews are added to game film. Front offices will weigh the following:

• Physical traits and measurables: size, arm strength and timed speed still move the needle.
• Accuracy and ball placement: short-, intermediate- and deep-ball consistency under varied pressure.
• Mechanics and release: footwork, release point consistency and recovery after a broken play.
• Medicals and background: injury history and how it affects long-term durability.
• Interviews and processing: mental processing, leadership and mastery of play concepts.

The mismatch between team demand for franchise quarterbacks and the number of first-round-ready prospects means even slight improvements during Indy week can boost a player into serious first-round consideration — or conversely, a poor showing can trigger a slide.

Ty Simpson — can the Alabama passer prove he belongs among early-round options?

Ty Simpson enters the Combine as a one-year starter from Alabama whose scouting profile invites debate. He earned his reps in a high-profile program and carries a winning pedigree, but he lacks a clearly elite physical trait that forces teams to take him early.

How scouts see him

• Projection: system-friendly starter with reliable college production but limited trait upside.
• Comparisons: evaluators have referenced similarities to pro-style winners like Kirk Cousins (particularly in his earlier, less polished form) and past mid-round starters who translated to successful NFL careers.
• Ceiling and floor: capable of being productive in the right scheme; lower upside if teams prioritize arm talent and athleticism.

Historically, teams have drafted quarterbacks with Simpson’s profile into the middle rounds and seen them become functional starters. For instance, Jalen Milroe’s path — drafted late and developing behind a veteran — shows a route to roster value without immediate first-round status. If Simpson demonstrates crisp timing, improved accuracy and steady mechanics in throwing drills, he could push into the late first-round or early second-round conversation. Strong interview performance in team meetings would amplify that momentum, especially for clubs with multiple early picks looking for a low-risk, high-floor option.

Garrett Nussmeier — a talent with pedigree trying to convert practice momentum into draft capital

Garrett Nussmeier arrived in Mobile turning heads during Senior Bowl practice, where his consistency and poise earned attention and the game’s MVP honors. Still, his draft ledger carries caveats: injury interruptions and uneven production in the SEC tempered earlier first-round projections.

Factors that will decide his draft projection

• Health and medicals: teams will scrutinize durability after time missed in college.
• Accuracy on the deep ball: scouts want repeatable placement and anticipation on downfield throws.
• Interview clarity: as the son of an NFL offensive coordinator, Nussmeier’s football IQ is assumed — teams need confirmation in private conversations.

Bloodlines and strong practice showings have kept Nussmeier on radars since 2024, but converting that into first-round capital requires clean medicals and repeatable throws under pressure. If he answers those questions in Indy, he could climb into early-round consideration. If not, teams may treat him as a mid-round developmental prospect with appealing upside.

Taylen Green — the boom-or-bust athlete who must fix mechanics to stick

Taylen Green offers obvious physical intrigue: listed around 6-6 and 225 pounds, he brings quarterback size and athletic explosiveness that grab attention in timed drills and throwing sessions. That very athleticism is why scouts will flock to his workout — he’s the kind of prospect that creates buzz when scouts are searching for a high-ceiling developmental quarterback.

What Green needs to show to climb boards

1. Cleaner footwork and more consistent fundamentals in the pocket.
2. A faster, repeatable release and reduced variability in release point.
3. Improved accuracy and timing with receivers during short and intermediate routes.

Green’s baseline profile trades polish for upside. If he can demonstrate tangible mechanical gains after months of focused training, his draft stock could spike dramatically. Conversely, if he looks rushed or inconsistent, he risks slipping into the later rounds where teams buy into upside but accept the developmental timeline.

How Indy week could reshuffle the 2026 QB pecking order

Combine workouts and meetings often produce rapid re-rankings. For prospects like Simpson, Nussmeier and Green, the stakes are simple: show the traits that teams covet, or give teams reason to wait until later rounds. Scouting directors will cross-reference medicals, tape and interview impressions to form a holistic grade — and with fewer first-round-ready quarterbacks in this cycle, small gains can produce big results.

Ultimately, Indianapolis isn’t just about numbers on a stopwatch or a single throwing session; it’s a collection of signals. When a player can marry accuracy, durability and intelligence in those moments, draft boards move quickly — for better or worse.

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John Davis

John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.