Locked On NFL Draft - Daily Podcast On The NFL Draft, College Football & The NFL · Locked On Podcast Network, Damian Parson, Keith Sanchez

2026 NFL Draft Top-10 QB Rankings—Can Garrett Nussmeier OVERTAKE Ty Simpson For QB2?

·34 min·3 clips

Can Garrett Nussmeier leapfrog Ty Simpson for QB2 in the 2026 NFL Draft?

This episode ranks the top 10 quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, hosted by NFL Draft analyst Damian Parson and scouting director Keith Sanchez. The central debate is whether LSU's Garrett Nussmeier can surpass Alabama's Ty Simpson to become the draft's second-ranked quarterback. Fernando Mendoza from Indiana is the consensus top quarterback, with Ty Simpson and Garrett Nussmeier ranked second and third. The hosts agree a major reshuffle is unlikely, though Nussmeier's 2024 tape and pure throwing ability make him a close competitor. Simpson's solid combine performance and Nussmeier's injury history, including a core issue affecting his 2025 season, are cited as factors solidifying Simpson's position. The discussion explores potential first-round landing spots, including the Raiders for Mendoza and the Steelers for Simpson. They consider if a team like the Cardinals might trade back into the late first round for Nussmeier to secure a fifth-year option. A surprising insight is the hosts' view that Nussmeier could be a "hitch" ready to contribute quickly, whereas Simpson might need a year to develop behind a veteran. They suggest three quarterbacks could be selected in the first round. The middle tier of prospects, ranked four through seven, includes names like Carson Beck, Sawyer Robertson, and Drew Allar, creating significant debate due to varied skill sets. Sanchez placed Drew Allar as high as four based on upside, while Parsons had him at eight due to inconsistent film. The hosts compare Carson Beck to a high-end game manager like Kirk Cousins, noting a high floor but limited ceiling. Cole Payton from North Dakota State is highlighted as a raw, athletic "draft and stash" prospect with starter potential. The final rankings reveal disagreements, with Sawyer Robertson at five for Sanchez and nine for Parsons due to concerns about his accuracy and decision-making. They conclude the class is deeper than perceived, with several quarterbacks possessing the physical tools to become starters in the right landing spot. The tone is analytical and conversational, blending film evaluation with draft projection scenarios. This episode is ideal for hardcore NFL Draft enthusiasts and college football fans wanting early prospect analysis. Listeners seeking finalized rankings or discussions on established NFL stars may find it too speculative.

As heard by us

A quarterback board debate with real scouting detail.

Locked On NFL Draft spends its time on the top 10 quarterback prospects and makes the strongest case for why Garrett Nussmeier could move ahead of Ty Simpson for QB2.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a look at the NFL Draft's top 10 quarterback prospects and the case for Garrett Nussmeier over Ty Simpson at QB2.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Locked On NFL Draft - Daily Podcast On The NFL Draft, College Football & The NFL