Kayden McDonald's long wait in the NFL draft green room ends with tears and a new job in Houston
Kayden McDonald finally drafted by Texans after emotional wait in green room.
The 2026 NFL Draft showcased surprising quarterback selections, with Fernando Mendoza going first overall to the Raiders. Mid-round prospects like Garrett Nussmeier and Drew Allar are now being linked to teams like the Jets and Steelers.


Garrett Nussmeier is a potential fit for the Jets, who have veteran Geno Smith as their starting quarterback.
Garrett Nussmeier is noted for his arm strength, pocket mobility, and ability to make tight throws despite not having prototypical NFL size.
Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, was selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Drew Allar is being linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers as a possible landing spot in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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The Jets have veteran Geno Smith as their starting quarterback, with Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe behind him. They also feature two top-11-pick offensive tackles in Olu Fashanu (left tackle) and Armand Membou (right tackle). That's an ideal setup for Nussmeier, who can become more dangerous with extra time in the pocket.

The Dolphins have a toolsy starter in Malik Willis, so Payton could learn behind him while fitting a similar stylistic mold. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, a branch of the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, runs a scheme that could help Payton develop as a processor. With Miami rebuilding, the team likely won't mind his learning curve.

Taylen Green is a QB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.99 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 2 out of 1052 QB from 1987 to 2026.
Pending bench tomorrow and pro day, splits projected, times unofficial. pic.twitter.com/XRk8N9gU3S
— RAS.football (@MathBomb) February 28, 2026
The Packers and head coach Matt LaFleur are an perfect fit for Green. Green Bay has successfully developed Jordan Love behind Aaron Rodgers and Malik Willis behind Love. With LaFleur's Shanahan-McVay system, this would be a strong environment for Green to refine his game and flash his upside.

The in-state product makes sense for Pittsburgh. The team still has a long-term need at quarterback, even if Aaron Rodgers returns at age 42. New head coach Mike McCarthy's West Coast offense could help Allar grow as a decision-maker, emphasizing quick progressions and letting the football fly. Receivers DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. would would make life easier as well.

Bryce Young's career started rough before he rebounded under head coach Dave Canales. Beck could follow a similar developmental path behind him. His competition for the QB2 role is Kenny Pickett, who failed to beat out rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in Cleveland last year, opening a realistic path for Beck.