Mendoza doesn't have rare physical gifts, but his football IQ, football character and ball placement are top-class, making him worthy of a first-round selection as an early-impact projection and potential franchise quarterback.

Simpson has intriguing NFL traits both as a passer and as an athlete, flashing high-level throws against zone coverage and posting a strong success rate attacking the middle of the field. However, his limited starting experience at the college level shows up in his timing, inconsistent ball placement and uneven performance under pressure. He would benefit from landing in a situation that allows him to sit and develop early, though the physical tools and flashes suggest legitimate starting upside.

Klubnik brings high football character and a pretty passing style as a touch passer, but there’s a good chance he lacks the physical traits or arm talent to be a long-term starter in the pro game. He’ll have to be an assassin in his pre-snap reads and post-snap recognition to be a starter — but at worst, he is a preferred long-term backup.

Nussmeier brings NFL bloodlines and a polished, foundational approach to the position, traits that fuel his confidence as a vertical pocket passer. However, his average arm strength and below-average stature could create challenges for his aggressive, gunslinging style at the next level.

Altmyer’s physical limitations lower his ceiling in the pros, but due to his high football IQ and how calm he is as a pocket passer with good feel, timing and touch, he presents a good floor as a backup quarterback who could come in and start with moderate success in a pinch.

Allar has the arm talent to play in any offense in the NFL, but he was gun-shy and too inaccurate in 2025. He's a developmental toolsy prospect who needs some time to refine his game.

Beck enters the NFL with a ton of playing experience, clean fundamentals and a good game manager’s mindset. However, his arm talent took a big hit in 2025 after his UCL surgery and could be an unfortunate roadblock to NFL success.

Robertson has NFL-caliber tools (arm strength and overall size), but his inconsistent fundamentals lead to too many inconsistent results and negative plays in his current state. That must be cleaned up before he gets a starting shot in the pros.

In a world where people like to force “the next Taysom Hill” each draft season, Payton actually has the ingredients to potentially be worthy of that comparison. He is a well-above-average athlete for the position and a decent enough passer (lefty) to play as an H-back and even a dropback quarterback in a pinch. However, his play as a quarterback under pressure against NFL-caliber competition is still quite unproven.

Pavia will be any team’s fan favorite the moment he is drafted. He is the ultimate underdog and competitor, but his lack of physical abilities will likely not yield much of a chance at quarterback in the NFL — perhaps he can be a utility offensive weapon as a tight end or fullback.

Green is a well-built, athletically gifted prospect whose inconsistent passing will likely hold him back from a shot at a starter role (and maybe even a backup) in the pros. However, he is such a good athlete that a change to tight end or wide receiver could be in the cards.

With the No. 3 overall pick, the Cardinals could target a franchise right tackle in Utah’s Spencer Fano, Miami’s Francis Mauigoa or Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor — three prospects with distinct skill sets but clear schematic fits in Mike LaFleur’s offense.

Built on the same principles as true pass sets, these plays filter out screens, play-action passes, rollouts and other schemed advantages, while focusing on standard dropbacks with legitimate pass-rush opportunities. The goal is simple: isolate a defender’s ability to win in obvious passing situations.

The Jets load up on defense in Round 1, while the Rams end their night by picking Matthew Stafford's successor.

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