In the world of college football, February usually signals a bit of downtime for coaches, but not for scouts who are gearing up for the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. This year's quarterback class might not have the star power of years past, but there's still plenty to dissect.
Leading the pack is Fernando Mendoza, a standout who’s already cemented his place at the top. With a Heisman in his trophy case and an impressive stat line, Mendoza’s decision to skip throwing drills speaks volumes. He’s got the size, mobility, and a proven track record that make him an easy No. 1 pick in a draft lacking clear-cut stars.
Behind Mendoza, the competition is wide open. Alabama’s Ty Simpson is fighting for the QB2 spot, but his draft position is anything but secure. Injuries hampered his production late in the season, making his interview performance crucial for his draft stock.
Oregon’s Dante Moore opted to stay in school, avoiding this year’s uncertain draft landscape. Meanwhile, other quarterbacks are hoping the Combine can elevate their status. For instance, a 6-2, 200-pound passer with a solid completion rate and steady performance at Texas Tech is looking to prove he can contribute right away, despite being projected as a seventh-round pick.
Then there’s a seasoned Kansas veteran who, despite injuries and decision-making issues, still shows flashes of brilliance. He’s a late-round gamble, but his moments of magic keep scouts intrigued.
Appalachian State’s Aguilar, standing at 6-3 and 225 pounds, has the arm strength to impress in drills, though his tendency to force throws shows up on film. His journey through college football has been solid, but scouts will need to weigh his physical tools against his penchant for risky decisions.
Robertson from Baylor is another intriguing prospect. With nearly 7,000 yards and 59 touchdowns over two seasons, he’s got the deep ball ability that teams covet. However, his gambling nature on the field means he’s best suited as a backup with potential upside.
A 6-3, 200-pound dual-threat quarterback has shown toughness and leadership through six years of college ball. While his passing tools might not wow, his low interception rate and ability to lead an offense make him a reliable option.
Fagnano, a 6-4, 225-pounder, is another name to watch. He’s got the size and mobility that scouts love, though his cautious play might not stand out in drills. Still, his fundamentals and skill set make him hard to ignore.
Altmyer, a tough and reliable quarterback, won’t shine in the Combine’s drills, but his tape tells a different story. With a solid completion rate and the ability to protect the ball, he’s an early day-three pick who could surprise with the right team.
Green, a 6-6 runner with experience at Boise State and Arkansas, has the physical attributes that jump off the screen. His accuracy and mechanics need work, but with patience, he could be a sleeper pick.
Allar from Penn State might be the X factor. His season was cut short by injury, but his size and arm strength keep him in the conversation. A year ago, he was a potential top pick; now, he’s fighting to stay relevant in the top-100.
Payton, with a unique lefty motion, brings a combination of passing and rushing ability that the Combine will appreciate. Despite a limited number of pass attempts, his clean throws and running prowess make him an intriguing prospect.
Clemson’s Klubnik, though smaller than ideal, has demonstrated leadership and passing skills despite a lack of supporting talent. His workouts might not elevate him beyond fourth-round territory, but his intangibles are noteworthy.
Pavia, though undersized, is a dynamic playmaker with a Heisman ceremony under his belt. His ability to create magic on the field is undeniable, but his future hinges on team interviews and how well he can handle the pressure of immediate fan expectations.
Finally, a 6-1 quarterback with a strong arm and zero mobility finds himself fighting to stay in the top-100 conversation. Despite benching issues, his ability to drive the ball and his NFL-ready arm make him a compelling option.
This year’s quarterback class may not be overflowing with sure-fire stars, but it’s filled with intriguing stories and potential diamonds in the rough. As the Combine unfolds, these players will have their chance to shine-or stumble-on the path to the NFL.