The Not Too Early 2026 NFL Draft Thread

It’s nice that we should see most of the top QBs in the CFP this year. Gonna make the games even more fun for me to watch. Not only Mendoza, Moore, and Simpson likely in it but Marcel Reed, Trinidad Chamblis,and John Mateer, and as well. Plus a guy like Julian Sayin who is a potentially 1.1 pick in 2027 and Brady’s apparent crush CJ Carr.
 
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Charles Davis compared this year's QB crop to the year Kenny Pickett came out: A single first rounder, and the next QB not coming off the board until Rd3.

I assume that's based on the assumption that certain underclassmen stay in school, but I didn't hear him say that.
 
Crow said:
Charles Davis compared this year's QB crop to the year Kenny Pickett came out: A single first rounder, and the next QB not coming off the board until Rd3.

I assume that's based on the assumption that certain underclassmen stay in school, but I didn't hear him say that.
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I remember that year, it was bad... There wasn't a single first round worthy QB, just Steelers took Picket anyway.
Mendoza looks like a first round QB to me as do the other two if they decide to come out.
 
007 said:
I think perspectives will change over time.

I liked Ward and would probably pick Mendoza and Moore over him.

So Charles Davis can lick my balls.
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All three top guys are in the playoffs. If they go off, they will fly up draft boards, and maybe some unsung hero might emerge.
 
Darkenblot said:
All three top guys are in the playoffs. If they go off, they will fly up draft boards, and maybe some unsung hero might emerge.
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Yep. Scroll through the 23 and 24 season threads here.

Penix and JJ in round 2, Levis in the top five and nobody knew who Richardson was. Ewers in round etc.

Things fluctuate and evolve. More games get played and info gets spread etc.

It annoys me the Mendoza stuff though, he was on first round draftnik mocks before the season started. He’s a known commodity. Not a perfect prospect but 6-5 225 solid arm, can move around, super smart, has experience, throws a clean ball and fuckin wins.

Someone could do much worse.
 
I'm guessing at least one of these guys draft stock will drop when they run into a team that is just overwhelming in terms of talent. People loved Penix then after that Michigan championship game not so much. I could see Doza getting a dose of reality vs TOSU for example... Doesn't mean they aren't good prospects but someone is going to look bad because their team is just overmatched.
 
Crow said:
Charles Davis compared this year's QB crop to the year Kenny Pickett came out: A single first rounder, and the next QB not coming off the board until Rd3.

I assume that's based on the assumption that certain underclassmen stay in school, but I didn't hear him say that.
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That's a pretty bold statement, that 2022 class was pretty rough. Pickett went 1.20 and then three QBs went in the 3rd round (Ridder, Willis, Corral). Can't really see it being that bad even if Moore doesn't come out, Mendoza and Simpson will go at worst top 10 and 2nd round IMO... it'd be more comparable to last years draft to me with Ward and Dart. But if Moore comes out this class is much, much better than 2022 or 2024 to me and likely has two top 5 QBs and a potential 3rd QB in the 1st round.
 
DonkeyKilla said:
I'm guessing at least one of these guys draft stock will drop when they run into a team that is just overwhelming in terms of talent. People loved Penix then after that Michigan championship game not so much. I could see Doza getting a dose of reality vs TOSU for example... Doesn't mean they aren't good prospects but someone is going to look bad because their team is just overmatched.
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Very well could happen, that's why I'm definitely not married to anyone right now. Big games coming up for these prospects and should be fun to watch. I hope they all tear it up haha.
 
007 said:
Yep. Scroll through the 23 and 24 season threads here.

Penix and JJ in round 2, Levis in the top five and nobody knew who Richardson was. Ewers in round etc.

Things fluctuate and evolve. More games get played and info gets spread etc.

It annoys me the Mendoza stuff though, he was on first round draftnik mocks before the season started. He’s a known commodity. Not a perfect prospect but 6-5 225 solid arm, can move around, super smart, has experience, throws a clean ball and fuckin wins.

Someone could do much worse.
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Only knocks on Mendoza I ave heard is a bit of his long arm shots and accuracy on them. Then he doesn’t handle pressure well. Not something I have seen from him as he’s been in a pretty nice pocket most of the time when I have seen him play.

Ohio State and the remaining season will be a big test for him.
 
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Personally I think the body of work of Mendoza is enough to say he’s worth a top pick for any team looking for a QB. You just want to invest in that OL for him as he won’t be able to escape the same way as a more agile QB can. He’s not gonna wow you with his off platform plays on a consistent basis.

The other two I am a bit concerned over lack of games played. If drafted early you almost have to play them early but would probably be best to sit them for a year or most of the year. If we did that with Simpson or Moore I would be perfectly fine with it. Even if that means we have to watch an AO'C or a Geno year to make it happen. All I want is a plan that makes sense even if that plan is for another losing season. I don’t subscribe to the just toss them out and let them sink or swim shit when you know they need time. BTW found my car ride home listen of the day.


 
alteredst8 said:
Personally I think the body of work of Mendoza is enough to say he’s worth a top pick for any team looking for a QB. You just want to invest in that OL for him as he won’t be able to escape the same way as a more agile QB can. He’s not gonna wow you with his off platform plays on a consistent basis.

The other two I am a bit concerned over lack of games played. If drafted early you almost have to play them early but would probably be best to sit them for a year or most of the year. If we did that with Simpson or Moore I would be perfectly fine with it. Even if that means we have to watch an AO'C or a Geno year to make it happen. All I want is a plan that makes sense even if that plan is for another losing season. I don’t subscribe to the just toss them out and let them sink or swim shit when you know they need time. BTW found my car ride home listen of the day.


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I still have Mendoza's comp as Matty Ice.
 
Mendoza's personality might not be everyone's cup of tea but I like the dude. He seems super smart just in general and a bit dorky, not in a bad way. You can tell he just lives football and knows his shit and any coach is going to love having him be their QB. I've heard some say that him and McVay would be best buds. He's said multiple times before that Brady was his idol growing up so got a feeling Mendoza would be excited to play for the team he's an owner of.
 
DonkeyKilla said:
I'm guessing at least one of these guys draft stock will drop when they run into a team that is just overwhelming in terms of talent. People loved Penix then after that Michigan championship game not so much. I could see Doza getting a dose of reality vs TOSU for example... Doesn't mean they aren't good prospects but someone is going to look bad because their team is just overmatched.
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That is what happened to Carr and he dropped to the second round. Yet, he ended up having the longest career while Bortles and Manziel swiftly washed out and Bridgewater became a journeyman.

Unless Mendoza looks entirely incompetent against Ohio State, I am not dropping him. Collegiate teams are too varied in talent for such measures.
 
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