All articles tagged with #quarterback evaluation
Fernando Mendoza is portrayed as more than a one-year wonder: his Cal tape showed off-script improvisation, arm talent, and downfield placement, with scouts ranking him the top QB in the 2026 class and pointing to key moments—like a fourth-down conversion to beat Stanford and clutch plays in Indiana—to argue his skill set extends beyond his 2025 Heisman season and could anchor Las Vegas’ future.
NFL coaches evaluating the 2026 quarterback class view the group as fading from the hype, with Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza standing out as the top prospect likely to be a franchise starter, while Ty Simpson, Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik draw mixed reviews on accuracy, system fit and development. Carson Beck is seen as a reliable backup option, and Cole Payton is a potential developmental piece. Overall, it’s a ‘beauty in the eye of the beholder’ class, prompting teams to eye 2027 prospects like Arch Manning, Dante Moore, C.J. Carr and Julian Sayin for the quarterback need.
The article explores how Sean Payton uses a unique metric-based approach to evaluate NFL quarterback prospects, highlighting Bo Nix's impressive college data and potential fit with the Denver Broncos, and detailing Nix's development and integration into the NFL under Payton's coaching.
Scouts at the NFL combine are struggling to evaluate LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels due to concerns about his size and weight, with some questioning whether he can withstand the physical demands of the NFL. Despite this, Daniels has shown impressive skills as a dual-threat QB, and the New England Patriots, who are considering drafting him, may need to move up in the draft to secure his selection. Daniels has also displayed confidence and leadership qualities, and the Patriots have already met with him at the combine, along with other quarterback prospects.
Caleb Williams, the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has chosen not to throw at the NFL Scouting Combine, but this decision is unlikely to significantly impact the Chicago Bears' evaluation of him. General manager Ryan Poles emphasizes the importance of getting to know the human being behind the quarterback, and believes that Williams' on-field performance is already well-documented. The Bears will focus on personal interactions and interviews with Williams to assess his suitability for the team, rather than his performance at the combine.
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud's S2 Cognition test score of 18 out of 100 was leaked, causing controversy, but the test's creators now say it may have been invalid and should not have been disclosed. Stroud, unfazed, asserts his confidence in his abilities and dismisses the importance of the test score. This incident highlights the limitations of such tests in evaluating quarterback potential, as demonstrated by the success of players like Dan Marino with low test scores.
USC quarterback Caleb Williams has declared for the NFL draft, potentially making him the Chicago Bears' top pick. General manager Ryan Poles emphasized the importance of evaluating the prospect's personality and quarterback skills. ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid sees Williams as the top quarterback prospect and a good fit for the Bears. Reid highlighted Williams' physical traits, improvisational skills, and the need to rein in his play. The decision between Williams and current quarterback Justin Fields presents a complex dilemma for the Bears.
Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles is keeping an "open-minded" approach as he evaluates whether to stick with Justin Fields or draft a QB at No. 1. Poles emphasized the need to be "blown away" by a QB prospect to make the pick, and is considering various scenarios while keeping options open, including potential trades. The evaluation process will focus on the "person" behind each prospect, with Poles acknowledging the pressure of being a quarterback in a big city. While Fields' improvement is recognized, Poles highlighted the need for progress in the two-minute offense. The decision on Fields' fifth-year option and the possibility of drafting a QB while keeping Fields are also being considered.
Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell will use the team's upcoming bye week to evaluate the best path forward at the quarterback position after Josh Dobbs threw four interceptions in a loss to the Chicago Bears. With Jaren Hall cleared from concussion protocol and Nick Mullens back on the active roster, O'Connell will review Dobbs' performance and consider the available options. Dobbs has committed a total of eight turnovers in his four games with the Vikings, contributing to the team's struggles with turnovers throughout the season. The decision on whether Dobbs will get another opportunity remains with the coaching staff.
The Chicago Bears are entering a crucial phase of evaluating quarterback Justin Fields as he returns as the starter after missing four games with a dislocated thumb. The team faces a decision on whether to commit to Fields as their franchise starter, potentially extending his contract, or explore trading him to select a new quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft. Fields' performance in the remaining seven games will play a significant role in determining his future with the Bears, who currently hold two first-round picks. The organization wants to see if Fields can be consistent, execute in key moments, avoid turnovers, and utilize his running ability.