2026 combine-focused coverage highlighting quarterback-related storylines, testing, and positional context

The 2026 NFL Draft landscape for quarterbacks is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic and unpredictable in recent memory. As teams prepare for the upcoming combine, evaluations are being heavily influenced by athletic testing, medical assessments, and strategic considerations—making this a pivotal moment for prospects to boost or diminish their stock.

Combine Primer and Positional Context

The NFL Scouting Combine serves as the final stage where athletic traits are scrutinized and prospects are evaluated beyond their college tape. For quarterbacks, this means showcasing arm strength, mobility, agility, and overall athleticism that can translate to NFL success. Notably, prospects like Drew Allar have recovered from injuries and are expected to throw at their pro days, aiming to validate their durability and arm talent. A strong combine performance could elevate a quarterback into early-round consideration, while underwhelming results might cause a slide down the board.

The overall depth at the quarterback position is less certain than in previous years, with some prospects emerging as potential risers based on combine results, and others facing decline due to injury concerns or inconsistent testing.

Athletic Testing and Prospect Movement

Prospect trajectories are heavily influenced by combine performances:

• Drew Allar: After passing medical evaluations and preparing for his pro day, Allar's upcoming combine throw is critical. A stellar workout could reinforce his high-floor status, given his size, poise, and positive team reports. Strong athletic testing might even push him into the first round.

• Ty Simpson: Gaining momentum from a promising Senior Bowl and improved athleticism, Simpson's performance in 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and agility drills could elevate him into Day 2 consideration. His mobility and improvisational skills align well with NFL teams seeking athletic quarterbacks.

• Garrett Nussmeier: LSU's Nussmeier has seen his stock decline amid injury narratives and inconsistent testing results. Without standout combine performances or full recovery validation, he risks settling into late-round or undrafted territory.

• Cade Klubnik: Although he showed promise at Clemson, a minor injury at his pro day raised injury flags. Unless medical teams are fully convinced of his recovery, he could slide further in the draft.

Rising and Falling Prospects

Recent medical red flags have impacted several prospects:

• Fernando Mendoza (Indiana): His shoulder injury history remains a concern. Despite a strong pro day emphasizing leadership and arm talent, unless fully cleared, Mendoza could slip out of the draft altogether. Still, his leadership qualities keep him in the late-round or free-agent conversation.

• Garrett Nussmeier: His injury narratives and testing inconsistencies have caused his stock to decline. Without a standout combine, he may become a priority free agent or late-round pick.

Potential risers include:

• Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 Prospect Movers: Prospects like Allar and Simpson are gaining momentum, especially if athletic testing confirms their upside. Teams are also paying close attention to interview performance and medical evaluations.

• The 'QB2' Surprise: An intriguing second-tier quarterback—dubbed QB2—has emerged with notable athletic ability and leadership qualities, despite limited pre-combine buzz. Several teams, including the Steelers, are reportedly monitoring him as a potential late-round target or trade asset. If he impresses athletically, he could generate significant draft-day movement.

Team Interest and Draft Scenarios

• Steelers: Rumors suggest Pittsburgh is closely watching QB2, with some indicating they might select him early or mid-rounds to develop behind their starter. Their history of drafting developmental quarterbacks makes this feasible.

• Rams: Analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. view the Rams as a prime destination if a top-tier quarterback slips past the top ten. They could be aggressive in early rounds, aiming to develop a young signal-caller for their offensive system and NFC West ambitions.

Medical and analytics influences are increasingly shaping team decisions. Advanced metrics such as PFF grades and proprietary tools are being used to evaluate prospects’ efficiency and upside, sometimes favoring players with less standout combine numbers but better on-field performance.

How Combine and Pro Days Are Reshaping Stock

Athletic performances at the combine and pro days are often the definitive factor in prospects’ draft positioning:

• Elite athletic testing can vault a player into first-round consideration—examples include standout workouts by prospects like Chambliss, whose combine has solidified his status as a top linebacker, prompting teams to trade up.

• Poor drills or injury setbacks cause steep declines, exemplified by prospects like Mendoza or Klubnik, who need full medical clearance and strong athletic testing to avoid further slides.

Strategic Surprises and Draft-Day Movement

Expect multiple surprises on draft day:

• A quarterback unexpectedly falling out of the top ten could trigger a flurry of trades as teams seek to capitalize on value.

• Multiple trades within the first round are anticipated, with teams leveraging draft capital to secure their preferred prospects.

• The Rams may target a quarterback in the second round, especially if a top-tier option slips, aiming to develop him for immediate or future impact.

Final Outlook

The 2026 quarterback class exemplifies volatility driven by combine results, medical evaluations, and strategic interests. As athletic testing unfolds, prospects’ stocks will fluctuate sharply, with some surging into the first round and others sliding out altogether.

The combination of combine performances, medical clearance, and team evaluations will ultimately determine the draft order. The emergence of a potential QB2 and the impact of analytics could make this an unprecedented draft for quarterbacks, with bold gambles and strategic moves shaping the league’s future.

In sum, nothing is certain until the final pick—but one thing remains clear: this draft could redefine NFL rosters and the landscape of quarterback talent for years to come.