As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on Fernando Mendoza, who’s expected to go No. 1 overall. Mendoza's impressive season with Indiana, leading them to a perfect 16-0 record and a National Championship, is hard to overlook. With a 72% completion rate, 3,535 yards, and 41 touchdowns against just six interceptions, his stats are the stuff of legends.
Most draft analysts are sold on Mendoza as this year’s top quarterback. Yet, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky has thrown a curveball, suggesting Alabama’s Ty Simpson might actually be the best QB in the class.
Orlovsky's Take on Simpson
Orlovsky made waves on "Get Up," declaring, “I think Ty Simpson is QB1. When you compare what was required of these quarterbacks, Simpson had to do more to elevate his team. He took over games more consistently than Mendoza.”
While Orlovsky’s view is intriguing, it’s not widely shared.
Kiper's Confidence in Mendoza
ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. weighed in on the debate, firmly backing Mendoza. “That’s not shared by anybody I’ve spoken to,” Kiper stated, dismissing the idea of Simpson surpassing Mendoza.
Kiper still ranks Simpson as the No. 2 QB, projecting him as a late first-round pick.
But Mendoza stands tall, literally and figuratively, at the top of Kiper’s board. At 6'5", Mendoza has a four-inch height advantage over Simpson and boasts three years of starting experience.
His NFL-ready arm and impressive 72% completion rate further solidify his status.
As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for the draft in Pittsburgh from April 23-25, it seems Mendoza is poised to be their top choice, barring any last-minute surprises.