Secondary quarterback prospects, age/experience questions, and team-level quarterback decision-making

The 2026 NFL Draft Quarterback Landscape: Emerging Prospects, Medical Concerns, and Strategic Team Moves

As the 2026 NFL draft approaches, the quarterback landscape remains one of the most unpredictable and volatile in recent memory. A combination of evolving evaluations, medical red flags, athletic testing results, and team-specific strategies has created a complex scenario where prospects are rapidly rising and falling on boards. Central to this chaos are secondary quarterback prospects—players outside the top-tier who could become valuable late-round picks or trade targets—and the strategic decisions teams are making amid a thin and unpredictable quarterback class.

The Unconventional Paths of Secondary QB Prospects

One of the most talked-about prospects is Diego Pavia, whose journey from JUCO ball to Vanderbilt exemplifies the layered evaluation process. Pavia's age and extensive experience set him apart; he's seen as a mature, intelligent quarterback with leadership qualities that teams value highly. Some evaluators believe his football IQ and poise could translate well into an NFL role, especially as a backup or developmental project.

However, athleticism remains a sticking point. Pavia's limited elite athletic testing—such as 40-yard dash times and agility drills—has tempered enthusiasm. His ability to transition to the higher level of competition at Vanderbilt has also been scrutinized, with some teams concerned about whether his skill set can overcome the physical and speed disparities of the NFL.

Similarly, prospects like Fernando Mendoza from Indiana face a different set of hurdles—medical red flags, particularly shoulder injuries, that threaten to diminish their draft stock. Mendoza’s strong pro day, showcasing his arm strength and leadership, garnered positive attention; however, ongoing injury concerns mean teams remain cautious. Some evaluators worry about the durability and long-term viability of prospects with injury histories, which could lead Mendoza to slip into later rounds or go undrafted.

Cade Klubnik, Clemson’s quarterback, experienced a minor injury during his pro day, illustrating how even small health setbacks can influence draft positioning—especially in a class with limited depth. Meanwhile, Garrett Nussmeier from LSU has seen his stock decline due to injury narratives and inconsistent testing. Addressing his shoulder injury publicly, Nussmeier remains a late-round consideration unless he demonstrates significant athletic improvement at upcoming workouts.

In contrast, Drew Allar is recovering from ankle surgery but is expected to impress at his upcoming pro day. His size, poise, and positive team reports make him a high-floor developmental option. If Allar performs well athletically, he could elevate into the early rounds, further complicating the quarterback hierarchy.

The Combine and Pro Day Performances as Indicators of Potential

The NFL Combine and pro days serve as critical junctures for prospects’ draft fortunes. Elite athletic performances—such as impressive 40-yard dash times, vertical jumps, and agility drills—can dramatically boost a player’s standing. Conversely, poor results or injury setbacks can cause steep declines.

Recent standout performances include Carnell Tate, whose strong combine workout has increased his draft appeal. Meanwhile, prospects like Simpson and Allar are preparing to throw at their respective pro days, knowing their performances could be pivotal. Simpson’s promising Senior Bowl and athletic testing could see him rise into mid-round territory, while Allar’s upcoming combine throw is viewed as a key opportunity to confirm his recovery and arm strength, potentially pushing him into the first round if he impresses.

The Emergence of the ‘QB2’ and Its Strategic Significance

An intriguing development is the emergence of a second-tier quarterback—often referred to as QB2—that has gained unexpected attention. Despite limited buzz early in the process, this prospect’s athletic ability, leadership qualities, and recent film improvements have prompted teams to reevaluate his value. Some see him as a potential late-round target or even a trade asset—an insurance policy or developmental project that could pay dividends down the line.

This emerging QB2 has already begun influencing team strategies, with several franchises reportedly considering him as a cost-effective backup or future starter. His rise underscores the fluidity of the draft process and the importance of combine and pro-day performances in validating or undermining pre-draft perceptions.

Team Strategies Amid a Thin and Volatile QB Class

Teams such as the Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Rams are actively assessing their options at the quarterback position, often with different philosophies.

• Arizona Cardinals: Their General Manager has indicated that all quarterback options are on the table at the draft combine, reflecting significant uncertainty. Whether they target a high-profile prospect or opt for a developmental pick, their approach suggests a willingness to gamble on upside or depth.

• Pittsburgh Steelers: Known for their quarterback development history, the Steelers are monitoring QB2 and may consider selecting a quarterback in the early or mid-rounds if the value fits. Their strategy appears to favor developing a less-polished prospect with high upside, especially if the right opportunity arises.

• Las Vegas Raiders: With veteran options and roster needs, the Raiders are examining whether to use an early pick on a quarterback or wait. Their recent emphasis on analytics and medical evaluations will heavily influence their decision, especially if a prospect with high upside slips into their range.

• Los Angeles Rams: Positioned to be aggressive if a desirable quarterback slips past the top ten, the Rams could target a young quarterback to develop behind their existing veteran corps. Their offensive system and roster flexibility make them a prime landing spot for a quarterback who rises late in the draft or via trade.

The Role of Analytics and Medical Evaluations

Beyond raw athletic metrics, teams are increasingly relying on advanced analytics—such as PFF grades, proprietary efficiency scores, and film analysis—to evaluate prospects’ potential. These tools often favor consistent performers over those with standout combine numbers but injury concerns or inconsistent college production.

Medical evaluations have become pivotal. A prospect passing all health checks tends to see their stock rise, while injury setbacks or red flags lead to declines. For instance, Nussmeier’s injury history has led some teams to tread cautiously, whereas prospects like Allar, with a clean bill of health and recovery, could climb boards when combined with athletic testing.

The Current Status and Future Outlook

As the combine and pro days unfold, expect significant volatility in prospects’ draft stocks. A strong athletic performance can propel a quarterback into the first round or move him into Day 2, while injury setbacks or underwhelming drills could cause sharp declines.

Trade activity is also anticipated, with multiple teams potentially maneuvering to secure their preferred quarterbacks—either by trading up or down the board. The emergence of the QB2 adds a layer of intrigue, as teams reassess their options based on new film and testing results.

Implications for NFL teams include the necessity of balancing risk and reward—considering medical histories, athletic upside, and developmental potential. The 2026 quarterback class exemplifies the high-stakes nature of draft evaluation, where small differences in performance or health can lead to vastly different futures.

In summary, the upcoming weeks will be decisive for many prospects, with the NFL draft poised to deliver surprises that could reshape team rosters and the league’s quarterback landscape for years to come. The combination of emerging talents, injuries, analytics, and team strategies makes this a draft to watch closely—one where the volatility may ultimately define the class’s legacy.