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Why NFL scouts believe the 2026 QB class drops off sharply after Fernando Mendoza
TL;DR
NFL scouts express concerns about the 2026 quarterback class, stating it lacks certainty beyond Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza is seen as the only reliable option, raising questions about the overall depth of the class.
Key points
- NFL scouts are concerned about the 2026 quarterback class
- Too many prospects require projection instead of belief
- Fernando Mendoza is seen as the only reliable option
- Mendoza checks the trust box for NFL teams
- Trust matters more than raw talent for first-round picks
Fernando Mendoza
Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
NFL scouts are not down on the 2026 quarterback class because it lacks names, they are down on it because too many of the names still require projection instead of belief.
That is why Fernando Mendoza has separated himself this late in the cycle. He is not viewed as flawless, but he is viewed as the only passer who consistently checks the trust box.
That distinction matters more than raw talent when teams start weighing first-round risk at the league’s most expensive position.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Fernando Mendoza is the only QB teams trust
The split becomes obvious when Touchdown Wire report outlines how teams see traits across the class but struggle to fully trust anyone beyond Mendoza.
That aligns with the broader scouting view. Mendoza’s 2025 production stands out with 41 touchdown passes, six interceptions and a 72 percent completion rate, while his processing and accuracy give teams a clearer projection into NFL structure.
He is not just productive. He is predictable in the right way, which is why evaluators are more comfortable tying a franchise decision to him than anyone else in the group.
Why the 2026 QB class falls apart after QB1
The concern with the rest of the class is not talent, it is reliability. Too many prospects show flashes without sustaining them over a full season or under pressure.
Q&A
Why do NFL scouts doubt the 2026 quarterback class?
NFL scouts doubt the 2026 quarterback class because many prospects require projection rather than being seen as reliable options.
Who is Fernando Mendoza in the 2026 NFL quarterback class?
Fernando Mendoza is viewed as the standout quarterback in the 2026 class, recognized for his reliability despite not being flawless.
What factors influence NFL teams' decisions on quarterbacks?
NFL teams consider both raw talent and the level of trust in a quarterback when evaluating first-round picks, especially at the quarterback position.
