NFL · 3 weeks ago

2026 NFL Draft Day: Ideal Landing Spots For the Top 9 Quarterbacks

John Canady

Host · Writer

Round 6, No. 215: Luke Altmyer, Atlanta Falcons
Luke Altmyer ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-2 | Weight: 210 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB8
- College: Illinois
- 2025 stats: 67.4% completion rate, 3,007 yards, 22 TDs, 5 INTs (5 rushing TDs)
Luke Altmyer heading to Atlanta would put him in a wide-open quarterback room where competition is still being sorted out. His toughness and ability to make plays off-script could help him stick as a developmental option with upside.

"Altmyer makes his best plays on late downs or in the final quarter, showing the grit needed to stick in Atlanta’s open QB room." -Solak

Luke Altmyer's Combine Measurements

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 210 lbs.

Hand: 9"

Arm: 29 7/8"

Luke Altmyer's Combine Results

40-Yard Dash: 4.72

10-Yard Split: 1.66

Vertical Jump: 32”

Broad Jump: 9’6”

3-Cone Drill: n/a

20-Yard Shuttle: n/a

Bench Press: n/a
NFL Draft: Landing Spots For Top Quarterbacks
With the 2026 NFL Draft (April 23–25) just around the corner, the debate has evolved from raw talent rankings to the nuances of organizational fit. A fresh breakdown from ESPN explores the premier destinations for this season's quarterback prospects, charting the path for every passer, from the projected number one pick to the intriguing projects found in the later rounds.

Mapping the Perfect Match

Success in the pros often hinges on the intersection of a player’s traits and a coach’s philosophy. Projections highlight this synergy, suggesting Fernando Mendoza’s precision timing could flourish under Klint Kubiak in Las Vegas, while Ty Simpson is positioned as the ideal distributor for Arizona’s evolving system.

Drawing on evaluations from Ben Solak and Scouts Inc., the analysis details why Garrett Nussmeier’s verticality suits the Steelers' smashmouth style, how Drew Allar’s massive frame and velocity mesh with Miami’s timing-based attack, and why Luke Altmyer’s competitive edge could make him a surprise standout in Atlanta.
Round 1, No. 1: Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-5 | Weight: 236 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB1
- College: Indiana
- 2025 stats: 72.0% completion rate, 3,535 yards, 41 TDs, 6 INTs (7 rushing TDs)
Fernando Mendoza stepping into Las Vegas would put him in a system that asks a lot from its quarterback in terms of timing and structure, but his feel for rhythm passing makes it a natural transition. Even with limited under-center experience, he has the traits and football IQ to grow quickly in Klint Kubiak’s offense.

"It's an evidently solvable problem, and Mendoza is an evidently trustworthy prospect to make the transition well in Kubiak's offense." -Solak

Fernando Mendoza's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 225 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 31 7/8"
Fernando Mendoza's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Round 3, No. 99: Garrett Nussmeier, Pittsburgh Steelers
Garrett Nussmeier ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-2 | Weight: 203 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB3
- College: LSU
- 2025 stats: 67.4% completion rate, 1,927 yards, 12 TDs, 5 INTs (1 rushing TD)
Garrett Nussmeier to Pittsburgh makes plenty of sense, especially as a developmental option behind a veteran presence. His aggressive style would benefit from time to sit and refine, particularly in an offense that values structure and decision-making.

"He’s sharp enough to run McCarthy's gun-heavy, dropback-heavy offense but needs calibration on risk management." -Solak

Garrett Nussmeier's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 203 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/8"
- Arm: 30 3/8"
Garrett Nussmeier's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Round 4, No. 130: Drew Allar, Miami Dolphins
Drew Allar ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-5 | Weight: 228 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB6
- College: Penn State
- 2025 stats: 64.8% completion rate, 1,100 yards, 8 TDs, 3 INTs (1 rushing TD)
Drew Allar in Miami feels like a swing on traits, with a system that can lean into timing throws and controlled reads. If developed properly, he could eventually thrive in an offense that values rhythm and accuracy from the pocket.

"Winning with arm talent on rhythm throws from the pocket is how Allar will find success in the NFL." -Solak

Drew Allar's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 228 lbs.
- Hand: 9 7/8"
- Arm: 32 3/4"
Drew Allar's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Round 5, No. 152: Carson Beck, Dallas Cowboys
Carson Beck ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-5 | Weight: 233 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB5
- College: Miami
- 2025 stats: 72.4% completion rate, 3,813 yards, 30 TDs, 12 INTs (2 rushing TDs)
Carson Beck in Dallas would drop him into a competitive backup situation, where his ability to operate within structure could stand out. In an offense that values timing and decision-making, he’d have a chance to carve out a role if he limits mistakes.

"When kept clean, Beck throws with anticipation and decisiveness, letting him play well within the Cowboys' structured offense." -Solak

Carson Beck's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 233 lbs.
- Hand: 10"
- Arm: 31 1/8"
Carson Beck's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Round 5, No. 160: Taylen Green, Green Bay Packers
Taylen Green ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-6 | Weight: 227 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB
- College: Arkansas
- 2025 stats: 60.7% completion rate, 2,714 yards, 19 TDs, 11 INTs (8 rushing TDs)
Taylen Green with Green Bay is exactly the kind of developmental swing the organization has leaned into behind its starter. His athleticism fits what they’ve prioritized in backup quarterbacks, even if the passing game remains a work in progress.

"Green’s arm and athleticism allow him to be a functional contributor in a system built around quarterback mobility." -Solak

Taylen Green's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 227 lbs.
- Hand: 9 7/8"
- Arm: 34 3/4"
Taylen Green's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.36
- 10-Yard Split: 1.55
- Vertical Jump: 43.5”
- Broad Jump: 11’2”
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Round 5, No. 179: Cole Payton, New York Jets
Cole Payton ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-3 | Weight: 232 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB7
- College: North Dakota State
- 2025 stats: 72.0% completion rate, 2,719 yards, 16 TDs, 4 INTs (13 rushing TDs)
Cole Payton landing with the Jets would give them a unique offensive wrinkle, especially given his running ability. In a system that values mobility at the position, he could carve out a role while developing as a passer.

"There’s a legit ceiling here for a guy who has flashed pro-style throws in limited opportunities." -Solak

Cole Payton's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 232 lbs.
- Hand: 10 1/4"
- Arm: 31 5/8"
Cole Payton's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.56
- 10-Yard Split: 1.57
- Vertical Jump: 40”
- Broad Jump: 10’10”
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.12
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.36
- Bench Press: n/a
Round 6, No. 200: Cade Klubnik, Carolina Panthers
Cade Klubnik ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-2 | Weight: 207 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB11
- College: Clemson
- 2025 stats: 65.6% completion rate, 2,943 yards, 16 TDs, 6 INTs (4 rushing TDs)
Cade Klubnik staying in-state with Carolina would give the Panthers a developmental option behind their starter, with a skill set capable of stretching the field. In the right structure, he could grow into a reliable backup who can push the ball vertically.

"Klubnik’s best throws come on the deep ball, and his skill set aligns with what Canales has historically asked from quarterbacks." -Solak

Cade Klubnik's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 207 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/4"
- Arm: 31 1/8"
Cade Klubnik's Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Vertical Jump: n/a
- Broad Jump: n/a
- 3-Cone Drill: n/a
- 20-Yard Shuttle: n/a
- Bench Press: n/a
Round 6, No. 215: Luke Altmyer, Atlanta Falcons
Luke Altmyer ESPN NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6-2 | Weight: 210 |
- Scouts Inc. ranking: QB8
- College: Illinois
- 2025 stats: 67.4% completion rate, 3,007 yards, 22 TDs, 5 INTs (5 rushing TDs)
Luke Altmyer heading to Atlanta would put him in a wide-open quarterback room where competition is still being sorted out. His toughness and ability to make plays off-script could help him stick as a developmental option with upside.

"Altmyer makes his best plays on late downs or in the final quarter, showing the grit needed to stick in Atlanta’s open QB room." -Solak

Luke Altmyer's Combine Measurements

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 210 lbs.

Hand: 9"

Arm: 29 7/8"

Luke Altmyer's Combine Results

40-Yard Dash: 4.72

10-Yard Split: 1.66

Vertical Jump: 32”

Broad Jump: 9’6”

3-Cone Drill: n/a

20-Yard Shuttle: n/a

Bench Press: n/a
NFL Draft: Landing Spots For Top Quarterbacks
With the 2026 NFL Draft (April 23–25) just around the corner, the debate has evolved from raw talent rankings to the nuances of organizational fit. A fresh breakdown from ESPN explores the premier destinations for this season's quarterback prospects, charting the path for every passer, from the projected number one pick to the intriguing projects found in the later rounds.

Mapping the Perfect Match

Success in the pros often hinges on the intersection of a player’s traits and a coach’s philosophy. Projections highlight this synergy, suggesting Fernando Mendoza’s precision timing could flourish under Klint Kubiak in Las Vegas, while Ty Simpson is positioned as the ideal distributor for Arizona’s evolving system.

Drawing on evaluations from Ben Solak and Scouts Inc., the analysis details why Garrett Nussmeier’s verticality suits the Steelers' smashmouth style, how Drew Allar’s massive frame and velocity mesh with Miami’s timing-based attack, and why Luke Altmyer’s competitive edge could make him a surprise standout in Atlanta.