2026 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper shakes up Top 10 QB rankings as draft gets closer
On3 • • sports
Key Points:
- The 2026 NFL Draft is three weeks away, with the first round starting April 23 in Pittsburgh, prompting ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. to update his Top 25 Big Board and positional rankings.
- Fernando Mendoza of Indiana remains the top quarterback prospect, coming off a Heisman Trophy-winning, national championship season, and is widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick.
- Ty Simpson from Alabama holds the No. 2 quarterback spot despite limited starting experience, while Miami’s Carson Beck leads the second tier of quarterbacks at No. 3.
- Notable changes include North Dakota State’s Cole Payton rising to No. 6 after an impressive NFL Combine performance, while LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier drops due to injuries and inconsistent play.
- Other quarterbacks rounding out the Top 10 include Drew Allar (Penn State), Taylen Green (Arkansas), Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Luke Altmyer (Illinois), and Sawyer Robertson (Baylor), each with varying strengths and concerns heading into the draft.
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