The 2026 NFL Combine quarterbacks grading revealed a varied set of performances as 14 prospects showcased their skills at the Indianapolis venue on March 1-3, 2026. After Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, expected to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, opted out of drills, other talented passers took the stage to enhance their draft value ahead of the April 23 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
Assessing Quarterback Performances at the 2026 Combine
Despite widespread perceptions of a down year for quarterbacks in the draft class, several prospects offered encouraging signs, though no quarterback is guaranteed a first-round selection beyond Mendoza. The group’s performances ranged from polished precision arms to raw athleticism, setting the tone for team decisions on draft weekend. Below is a detailed grading of the quarterbacks who participated in the throwing and athletic tests.
Top Contenders Showing NFL-Caliber Skills
Ty Simpson, Alabama (6-1, 211 pounds) – Grade: A
Simpson emerged as a leading candidate to follow Mendoza in the first round, impressing evaluators with his fluid throwing mechanics and pinpoint accuracy at all ranges. His consistent delivery and command of the passing drills mark him as a potential franchise quarterback, projected as a top 50 pick with the ability to start early in his career.
Drew Allar, Penn State (6-5, 228 pounds) – Grade: A-
Allar led his group with steady improvement, particularly on deep throws, effectively dispelling doubts about the lingering effects of his ankle injury last season. His mobility in dropbacks and velocity on intermediate passes stood out, though a few receiver drops limited the perfection of his workout. Still, he reinforced his status as a Day 2 pick with top-flight arm talent.
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU (6-2, 203 pounds) – Grade: A-
Nussmeier’s confidence and NFL readiness translated well during drills, backing up his strong Senior Bowl showing. As the son of New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, his football IQ and poise were evident, helping him boost his draft stock.
Cade Klubnik, Clemson (6-2, 207 pounds) – Grade: A-
Klubnik displayed a well-rounded arm with power and precision, maintaining accuracy across most of his throws. While he didn’t reach the heights of Simpson or the progression Allar and Nussmeier showed, he sustained his position as a solid Top 100 prospect and an early Day 3 candidate with starting potential.
Quarterbacks With Promising Traits and Developmental Upside
Carson Beck, Miami (6-5, 233 pounds) – Grade: B+
Beck delivered a smooth and accurate passing effort, though his deep-ball prowess didn’t quite match up to Allar’s. His extensive college experience — having started in 33 of 55 games — showed in his calm, rhythmical approach, even while facing a hostile crowd of Hoosiers supporters reacting to Miami’s previous National Championship win over Indiana.
Taylen Green, Arkansas (6-6, 227 pounds) – Grade: B+
Green’s drills highlighted his extraordinary physical traits, setting new Combine records with a 43.5-inch vertical jump and 11-foot-2-inch broad jump. His 4.37-second 40-yard dash demonstrated exceptional speed for a quarterback his size. Although his passing was still developing, Green’s rare blend of size and athleticism projects him as a high-ceiling developmental pick early in Day 3.
Jalon Daniels, Kansas (6-1, 219 pounds) – Grade: B
Daniels offered a no-frills, fundamentally sound passing display, with crisp dropback footwork and solid mechanics. He completed all of his throws, albeit with occasional lapses in accuracy, which nonetheless hinted at a stronger arm than many expected. This performance bodes well for an earlier Day 3 selection.
Haynes King, Georgia Tech (6-2, 212 pounds) – Grade: B
King’s 4.47-second 40-yard dash showcased his speed, reinforcing his profile as a dual-threat quarterback. The experienced ACC player mixed athleticism with flashes of accurate passing, projecting as a versatile option either as a unique playmaker or a developmental backup for teams valuing mobility.
Mid-to-Late Round Candidates Demonstrating Key Skills
Behren Morton, Texas Tech (6-2, 221 pounds) – Grade: B-
Morton displayed a strong arm with zip on his throws, likely sufficient to secure a late draft pick or a priority invitation as an undrafted free agent. While he lacks elite polish, his throwing velocity and strength could attract interest.
Cole Payton, South Dakota State (6-3, 232 pounds) – Grade: C
Payton’s athleticism stood out with a 4.56-second 40-yard dash and notable agility, suggesting upside as a mobile quarterback who can extend plays outside the pocket. His passing mechanics are still developing, highlighting a potential as a late-round developmental prospect.
Sawyer Robertson, Baylor (6-4, 216 pounds) – Grade: C
Robertson shares similar physical traits with Payton but appears a bit further along as a passer. He projects as a backup candidate with developmental upside, likely available in the later rounds of the draft.
Luke Altmyer, Illinois (6-2, 210 pounds) – Grade: C
Altmyer demonstrated a steady, if unspectacular, skill set. Opening drills with the first 40-yard dash and routine passing sessions, he did not distinguish himself as much as younger prospects like Green or veterans like Daniels and Allar. His profile points to a Day 3 draft possibility.
Prospects Facing Challenges Entering the NFL
Joe Fagnano, UConn (6-3, 226 pounds) – Grade: D
Fagnano entered the Combine as a borderline prospect and failed to improve his stock. While his arm strength was evident, inconsistent accuracy and overall inconsistency suggest a difficult path toward making an NFL roster as anything more than an undrafted free agent.
Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt (5-10, 207 pounds) – Grade: D
Pavia’s decision to skip the 40-yard dash raised questions, especially considering his Heisman finalist status largely stemming from rushing production, including 862 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Though slightly larger than initially anticipated, his undersized frame and mental unpredictability reduce his appeal in a deeper-than-expected quarterback class. His passing flashes were not enough to outweigh concerns about his size and consistency.
Implications for the 2026 NFL Draft and Beyond
The 2026 NFL Combine quarterbacks grading paints a nuanced picture of a draft class without overwhelming first-round talent behind Fernando Mendoza. Prospects like Ty Simpson and Drew Allar are poised to be early-day selections with potential to compete for starting roles quickly. Others, including Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik, have demonstrated enough skill and composure to expect selection by mid-rounds. Athletic, physically gifted players such as Taylen Green offer intriguing developmental cases with upside for teams willing to invest time in projection.
Meanwhile, candidates rated lower in the grades will face steep competition to secure roster spots as backups or practice squad members, relying on offseason workouts, minicamps, and training camps to carve their paths. How these quarterbacks are evaluated on draft day will depend not only on their combine showings but also teams’ specific needs and offensive schemes.
