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ESPN Reveals Best Team Fits for Top QBs Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

John Canady

Host · Writer

Round 6, No. 215: Luke Altmyer, Atlanta Falcons
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
Round 1, No. 1: Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders
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
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
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
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
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
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 227 | Scouts Inc. ranking: QB4
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
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
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
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
Round 1, No. 1: Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders
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

ESPN Reveals Best Team Fits for Top QBs Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

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