In the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky is diving deep into the quarterback prospects, and he's got some strong opinions. Orlovsky is particularly impressed with Alabama's Ty Simpson, whose performance through the first eight games of the 2025 season stands out to him even more than that of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
Orlovsky, speaking on First Take, expressed some concerns about Mendoza's early-season performances at Indiana. He noted that Mendoza's tape didn't showcase many big throws and highlighted the abundance of clean pockets, RPOs, and back-shoulder fades. He also critiqued Mendoza's footwork, mentioning that it seemed to falter if the first read wasn't available.
Bringing Simpson into the discussion, Orlovsky didn't hold back. He stated, "Ty Simpson’s tape from Alabama, through the first eight games of the season, is significantly more impressive than Fernando Mendoza’s."
While Orlovsky isn't ready to crown Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick just yet, he admits he still has a few more games to review for both quarterbacks. It's clear, though, that Simpson's early-season performances have left a mark on him. As the season progressed, Mendoza and Simpson's paths diverged, adding layers to the evaluation.
Simpson, despite being in the Heisman conversation early on, faced challenges after Alabama's second bye week, notably struggling against Eastern Illinois. He wrapped up the season with 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
On the other hand, Mendoza had a stellar finish, leading Indiana to a CFP National Championship and ending the season with 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
As the NFL Combine approaches, all eyes will be on these two quarterbacks. Mendoza has opted not to throw, while Simpson will be showcasing his skills. It’ll be fascinating to see how Simpson performs in front of NFL scouts, especially considering the health questions that linger.