In the world of NFL draft chatter, few debates are as intriguing as the one surrounding Alabama's Ty Simpson and Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. Former NFL quarterback turned analyst, Dan Orlovsky, stirred the pot with his bold assertion that Simpson’s game film is "significantly more impressive" than Mendoza’s. This view stands in contrast to the prevailing consensus that Mendoza is the top choice for the Las Vegas Raiders as the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
During a recent episode of ESPN's "Get Up," Orlovsky addressed the perceived gap between these two quarterbacks. He challenged the notion that Mendoza is head and shoulders above Simpson. "I would not say the gap is justified," Orlovsky stated, pointing out that Simpson has made more "big-time NFL-style throws" than his counterpart.
As the draft approaches, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has firmly linked Mendoza with the Raiders, suggesting that this pick is practically set in stone. Speculation about the Raiders trading the pick for Baltimore's Lamar Jackson has faded, even as contract talks with Jackson remain stalled. Meanwhile, Kiper projects Simpson landing with the New York Jets at the 16th pick.
Orlovsky’s take is not an indictment of Mendoza’s potential. "He's got a chance to be a really good quarterback in the NFL," he clarified, emphasizing that his comments shouldn’t be misinterpreted as criticism. Instead, he argues that Simpson is closer to Mendoza in talent than many believe.
Rumors hint at the possibility of Simpson sliding out of the first round, but Orlovsky’s insights suggest that taking a chance on him could be a savvy move. As draft day looms, the debate continues, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this year’s selections.