The article ranks college football quarterbacks as potential 2026 NFL draft prospects, highlighting Fernando Mendoza as the top candidate, with other notable players like Dante Moore and Nico Iamaleava also in the mix, and discusses their recent performances and development.
Athlon Sports ranks all 136 college football starting quarterbacks for the 2025 season, highlighting key players like Arch Manning, Cade Klubnik, and LaNorris Sellers, considering talent, supporting cast, and projected development amid significant turnover at the position.
The Las Vegas Raiders are focusing on the 2025 NFL Draft to address their need for a young quarterback, having missed out on the 2024 draft class. However, the 2025 quarterback prospects are not highly rated, leading to a debate on whether the Raiders should draft a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward, or opt for Colorado's standout wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, who is considered the top prospect. A poll shows fans are divided, with 53% favoring a quarterback and 46% supporting Hunter.
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up with Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart emerging as a potential QB3, showcasing grit and tenacity against Georgia. The Jacksonville Jaguars, struggling this season, are projected to have the No. 1 overall pick, with Colorado's Travis Hunter as a top prospect fit. The draft analysis highlights the challenges of talent evaluation, especially for quarterbacks, and discusses the best prospect fits for the league's worst-performing teams, including the Giants, Titans, Browns, and Raiders, each with specific needs and potential draft strategies.
The Washington Commanders hosted four top quarterback prospects, including Jayden Daniels, on the same day, leading to speculation and drama as Daniels' agent expressed displeasure with the unusual approach. The Commanders, who hold the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, have been tight-lipped about their intentions, but the visit of multiple quarterbacks has raised questions about their draft strategy and potential impact on their decision.
Washington Commanders' general manager Adam Peters is keeping the team's plans for the number two overall pick in the NFL draft under wraps, signaling a new era of secrecy and intrigue for the organization. With multiple quarterback prospects in consideration, including Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, JJ McCarthy, and Michael Penix, Peters is maintaining a tight-lipped approach and has indicated that the team is unlikely to trade the pick. The Commanders' unorthodox predraft process and the surge in betting odds for different prospects have added to the speculation and anticipation leading up to the draft, but Peters remains steadfast in his discretion, ushering in a new era of mystery and unpredictability for the franchise.
J.J. McCarthy, a rising quarterback prospect, is visiting the New England Patriots, sparking debate about his potential as a top draft pick. Critics question his limited playing time, system reliance, and skill set, while others see him as a safe and stable pick. The Patriots' interest in McCarthy, along with other top quarterback prospects, raises speculation about their draft strategy and the importance of surrounding the chosen quarterback with talent for success in the NFL.
Potential Denver Broncos quarterback targets Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. may not have been invited to attend the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit, while Michigan's J.J. McCarthy, also a potential target, did not respond to the invitation. The low turnout of prospects at the draft is attributed to the NFL's purported cost-cutting measures and the avoidance of public scrutiny if they fall in the draft. Despite this, other potential Broncos targets will be in attendance. The focus remains on high-profile quarterbacks expected to go early in the draft, keeping Commissioner Goodell busy.
Spencer Rattler, once a controversial figure, has seen his draft stock rise after a quiet but productive stint with the South Carolina Gamecocks following his benching at the University of Oklahoma. Analysts now consider him a top-three quarterback prospect, with Emory Hunt discussing quarterback prospects and his top five picks on the Trap or Dive podcast.
The New England Patriots, holding the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, are rumored to be considering Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy as a potential selection. De facto general manager Eliot Wolf is reportedly advocating strongly for McCarthy, despite concerns about his limited playing time in a run-centric offense at Michigan. While there is uncertainty surrounding the Patriots' interest in McCarthy, the team's decision will be revealed by the draft on April 25.
The Washington Commanders have not been impressed by trade offers for the No. 2 spot in the 2024 NFL draft, with rumors of interest in quarterback Jayden Daniels but no firm decision made. The team remains a wildcard, potentially attracting trade offers for top quarterback prospects.
Former NFL quarterback David Carr believes that North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye is the best fit for the Washington Commanders, particularly due to his ability to move and make plays under pressure. Maye's pro day performance has impressed many, and while there are areas for improvement, he is seen as having high potential. With the Commanders not under immediate pressure to start a rookie quarterback, Maye could be a strong prospect for the team.
The Arizona Cardinals, holding the No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, are in a prime position for potential trade scenarios, particularly with teams in need of a quarterback. Possible trade partners include the Giants, Vikings, Broncos, and Raiders, with various trade scenarios and potential picks discussed. General Manager Monti Ossenfort is open to exploring trade options to benefit the team, considering the depth of wide receiver prospects in this year's draft.
In a mailbag segment, reader-submitted mock drafts for the New England Patriots are analyzed, focusing on potential draft picks and trade scenarios for the upcoming NFL Draft. The prospects include quarterback options like Drake Maye and Daniels, as well as various offensive and defensive players. The article also discusses the rarity of trading down for a quarterback and highlights potential draft strategies for the Patriots.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly sparked speculation by suggesting that quarterback Jayden Daniels could be the Washington Commanders' choice with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While Kelly's comments may have been innocent, they have fueled rumors and anticipation as the Commanders continue their evaluation process. With the draft approaching, fans eagerly await the franchise's decision on which quarterback will lead them into the future.