NFL · 3 hours ago

2026 NFL Draft: Ideal Landing Spots For the Top 9 Quarterbacks

John Canady

Host · Writer

Round 6, No. 215: Luke Altmyer, Atlanta Falcons
Luke Altmyer ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-2 | Weight: 210 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB8
- College: Illinois
- 2025 stats: 67.4% completion rate, 3,007 yards, 22 TDs, 5 INTs (5 rushing TDs)
Luke Altmyer heading to Atlanta would put him in a wide-open quarterback room where competition is still being sorted out. His toughness and ability to make plays off-script could help him stick as a developmental option with upside.

"Altmyer makes his best plays on late downs or in the final quarter, showing the grit needed to stick in Atlanta’s open QB room." -Solak
NFL Draft: Landing Spots For Top Quarterbacks
As the 2026 NFL Draft (April 23–25) approaches, the conversation has shifted from "who is the best player" to "who is the best fit." ESPN’s latest analysis identifies the ideal landing spots for this year’s quarterback class, mapping out the trajectory for signal-callers from the first overall pick to the developmental sleepers of Day 3.

From Vegas to Atlanta

The landscape is defined by the marriage of talent and coaching. Whether it’s Fernando Mendoza bringing his elite rhythm and timing to Klint Kubiak's offense in Las Vegas or Ty Simpson serving as the "point guard" for a new era in Arizona, these projections show how scheme can make or break a career. With insights from NFL analyst Ben Solak and Scouts Inc. rankings, this guide breaks down why Garrett Nussmeier’s aggression fits the Steelers' structure, how Drew Allar’s arm talent aligns with the Dolphins' rhythm, and why Luke Altmyer’s grit makes him a dark horse in Atlanta.
Round 1, No. 1: Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-5 | Weight: 236 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB1
- College: Indiana
- 2025 stats: 72.0% completion rate, 3,535 yards, 41 TDs, 6 INTs (7 rushing TDs)
Fernando Mendoza stepping into Las Vegas would put him in a system that asks a lot from its quarterback in terms of timing and structure, but his feel for rhythm passing makes it a natural transition. Even with limited under-center experience, he has the traits and football IQ to grow quickly in Klint Kubiak’s offense.

"It's an evidently solvable problem, and Mendoza is an evidently trustworthy prospect to make the transition well in Kubiak's offense." -Solak
Round 1, Pick 31 (projected trade with NE): Ty Simpson, Arizona Cardinals
Ty Simpson ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-1 | Weight: 211 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB2
- College: Alabama
- 2025 stats: 64.5% completion rate, 3,567 yards, 28 TDs, 5 INTs (2 rushing TDs)
Ty Simpson landing in Arizona would give him the runway he needs, with a roster that wouldn’t force him onto the field early. In a scheme built on timing and decision-making, his anticipation and command fit what the Cardinals want to build moving forward.

"He shows the blend of anticipation and decision-making to be the point guard in the modern Shanahan/McVay scheme." -Solak
Round 3, No. 99: Garrett Nussmeier, Pittsburgh Steelers
Garrett Nussmeier ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-2 | Weight: 203 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB3
- College: LSU
- 2025 stats: 67.4% completion rate, 1,927 yards, 12 TDs, 5 INTs (1 rushing TD)
Garrett Nussmeier to Pittsburgh makes plenty of sense, especially as a developmental option behind a veteran presence. His aggressive style would benefit from time to sit and refine, particularly in an offense that values structure and decision-making.

"He’s sharp enough to run McCarthy's gun-heavy, dropback-heavy offense but needs calibration on risk management." -Solak
Round 4, No. 130: Drew Allar, Miami Dolphins
Drew Allar ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-5 | Weight: 228 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB6
- College: Penn State
- 2025 stats: 64.8% completion rate, 1,100 yards, 8 TDs, 3 INTs (1 rushing TD)
Drew Allar in Miami feels like a swing on traits, with a system that can lean into timing throws and controlled reads. If developed properly, he could eventually thrive in an offense that values rhythm and accuracy from the pocket.

"Winning with arm talent on rhythm throws from the pocket is how Allar will find success in the NFL." -Solak
Round 5, No. 152: Carson Beck, Dallas Cowboys
Carson Beck ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-5 | Weight: 233 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB5
- College: Miami
- 2025 stats: 72.4% completion rate, 3,813 yards, 30 TDs, 12 INTs (2 rushing TDs)
Carson Beck in Dallas would drop him into a competitive backup situation, where his ability to operate within structure could stand out. In an offense that values timing and decision-making, he’d have a chance to carve out a role if he limits mistakes.

"When kept clean, Beck throws with anticipation and decisiveness, letting him play well within the Cowboys' structured offense." -Solak
Round 5, No. 160: Taylen Green, Green Bay Packers
Taylen Green ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-6 | Weight: 227 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB
- College: Arkansas
- 2025 stats: 60.7% completion rate, 2,714 yards, 19 TDs, 11 INTs (8 rushing TDs)
Taylen Green with Green Bay is exactly the kind of developmental swing the organization has leaned into behind its starter. His athleticism fits what they’ve prioritized in backup quarterbacks, even if the passing game remains a work in progress.

"Green’s arm and athleticism allow him to be a functional contributor in a system built around quarterback mobility." -Solak
Round 5, No. 179: Cole Payton, New York Jets
Cole Payton ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-3 | Weight: 232 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB7
- College: North Dakota State
- 2025 stats: 72.0% completion rate, 2,719 yards, 16 TDs, 4 INTs (13 rushing TDs)
Cole Payton landing with the Jets would give them a unique offensive wrinkle, especially given his running ability. In a system that values mobility at the position, he could carve out a role while developing as a passer.

"There’s a legit ceiling here for a guy who has flashed pro-style throws in limited opportunities." -Solak
Round 6, No. 200: Cade Klubnik, Carolina Panthers
Cole Payton ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-2 | Weight: 207 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB11
- College: Clemson
- 2025 stats: 65.6% completion rate, 2,943 yards, 16 TDs, 6 INTs (4 rushing TDs)
Cade Klubnik staying in-state with Carolina would give the Panthers a developmental option behind their starter, with a skill set capable of stretching the field. In the right structure, he could grow into a reliable backup who can push the ball vertically.

"Klubnik’s best throws come on the deep ball, and his skill set aligns with what Canales has historically asked from quarterbacks." -Solak
Round 6, No. 215: Luke Altmyer, Atlanta Falcons
Luke Altmyer ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-2 | Weight: 210 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB8
- College: Illinois
- 2025 stats: 67.4% completion rate, 3,007 yards, 22 TDs, 5 INTs (5 rushing TDs)
Luke Altmyer heading to Atlanta would put him in a wide-open quarterback room where competition is still being sorted out. His toughness and ability to make plays off-script could help him stick as a developmental option with upside.

"Altmyer makes his best plays on late downs or in the final quarter, showing the grit needed to stick in Atlanta’s open QB room." -Solak
NFL Draft: Landing Spots For Top Quarterbacks
As the 2026 NFL Draft (April 23–25) approaches, the conversation has shifted from "who is the best player" to "who is the best fit." ESPN’s latest analysis identifies the ideal landing spots for this year’s quarterback class, mapping out the trajectory for signal-callers from the first overall pick to the developmental sleepers of Day 3.

From Vegas to Atlanta

The landscape is defined by the marriage of talent and coaching. Whether it’s Fernando Mendoza bringing his elite rhythm and timing to Klint Kubiak's offense in Las Vegas or Ty Simpson serving as the "point guard" for a new era in Arizona, these projections show how scheme can make or break a career. With insights from NFL analyst Ben Solak and Scouts Inc. rankings, this guide breaks down why Garrett Nussmeier’s aggression fits the Steelers' structure, how Drew Allar’s arm talent aligns with the Dolphins' rhythm, and why Luke Altmyer’s grit makes him a dark horse in Atlanta.