NFL Combine QB results: Grading all the 2026 quarterback workouts, from Ty Simpson to Diego Pavia originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
“The Mendoza Line” got a new meaning at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
With Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza locked in to be selected No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders and not working out, 14 other quarterbacks went to work in passing and agility drills, trying to improve their draft stock behind Mendoza.
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With a generally down feeling on the ’26 QB class and no guarantee another quarterback will be taken in the first round come April 23 in Pittsburgh, the consensus second-best passing prospect and a number of other big-name college hopefuls delivered a mixed bag of results. Here’s a ranking and grading of their performances:
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Grading the NFL Combine QB performances
Drew Allar
1. Ty Simpson, Alabama (6-1, 211 pounds)
Grade: A
Simpson made a strong case to be taken after Mendoza, also in the first round. He was fluid in his passing drills, showing excellent accuracy and consistent form on all his throws—from short to intermediate to deep. He looked well prepared for the opportunity and is now a potential franchise option for a team picking in the top 50 overall.
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2. Drew Allar, Penn State (6-5, 228 pounds)
Grade: A-
Allar won his group, getting stronger as his throwing drills progressed, especially on the deep throws. He showed no limiting effects from his season-ending ankle injury at Penn State. He moved well in dropbacks and delivered good zip on intermediate throws. If he hadn’t been let down by a few unfamiliar receivers with drops, he would have been near perfect in demonstrating what he needed with his arm to move further into the Day 2 conversation.
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3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU (6-2, 203 pounds)
Grade: A-
Nussmeier had some great moments through his confident passing. He showed his NFL readiness, which one would expect from the son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. Garrett built on a strong Senior Bowl showing with his talent and mental makeup from Mobile.The former LSU signal-caller helped himself in Indy.
4. Cade Klubnik, Clemson (6-2, 207 pounds)
Grade: A-
Klubnik threw the ball with plenty of zip and was mostly on point with all of his throws. He’s another experienced college star who leaned on his development through play. He didn’t push himself up near Simpson the way Allar and Nussmeier, but he kept his early-day 3 status alive.
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5. Carson Beck, Miami (6-5, 233 pounds)
Grade: B+
Beck was solid with his arm and accuracy, with just a little less wow factor on deep balls than Allar. His experience from playing 33 of his 55 college games over the past three seasons showed in his ability to get into rhythm. He even stayed composed in the surprisingly hostile environment created by Hoosiers fans booing him in Indy, despite being far removed from their team losing to Beck’s Hurricanes for the national championship.
MORE:Everything to know about combine star Taylen Green, who set multiple event recordsÂ
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6. Taylen Green, Arkansas (6-6, 227 pounds)
Grade: B+
Green was getting a better feel for downfield passing in his drills, but he stood out most with his massive physical measurements, backing them up with dazzling athleticism, including QB Combine records in both the vertical jump (43.5 inches) and broad jump (11 feet, 2 inches). His 4.37 40-yard dash added top-end speed to the equation. Green is a true QB prospect and just became even more intriguing as an early Day 3 developmental pick.
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Taylen Green
7. Jalon Daniels, Kansas (6-1, 219 pounds)
Grade: B
There was nothing too flashy about Daniels’ passing workout, but he was solid all around, showing he had been well coached in his dropback mechanics and footwork. He completed all of his throws, even with a few inaccurate balls. He also might have shown a better arm than anticipated, helping his draft stock for an earlier selection on Day 3.
8. Haynes King, Georgia Tech (6-2, 212 pounds)
Grade: B
King showed his speed as a running QB with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash. The seasoned ACC star is no doubt a plus athlete but he also flashed some passing to say he can be unique slash player or a late-round developmental backup to a mobile QB.
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9. Behren Morton, Texas Tech (6-2, 221 pounds)
Grade: B-
Morton proved he belong with strong arm and zip on his throws. That might enough to get him drafted late or get a priority post-draft invite.
10. Cole Payton, South Dakota State (6-3, 232 pounds)
Grade: C
Payton stood out with his speed in the 40 (4.56 seconds) and agility, giving him some development upside as an athletic passer with mobility to extend plays outside of the pocket and also be effective as a runner.
MORE: Who were the biggest, strongest and fastest players at the 2026 NFL Combine?
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11. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor (6-4, 216 pounds)
Grade: C
Robertson is much like Payton as it relates to his intangibles and athleticism. He looked a little more polished as a passer but still profiles as the same kind of late-rounder.
12. Luke Altmyer, Illinois (6-2, 210 pounds)
Grade: C
Altmyer looked OK through everything he did, from being the first to run the 40 to opening up the passing drills. He just didn’t flash in any one area and was overshadowed by Green’s athleticism and Daniels’ throwing. Their performances, along with what Allar showed, pushed Altmyer into later Day 3 consideration.
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13. Joe Fagnano, UConn (6-3, 226 pounds)
Grade: D
Fagnano came in as a longshot to be drafted and didn’t do anything to change that. He might have hurt his intrigue as a priority undrafted free agent. He showed the arm, but he was plagued by inaccuracy and inconsistency to think it will be a struggle to make a team.
14. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt (5-10, 207 pounds)
Grade: D
Pavia’s decision not to run the 40 was curious, given he was a Heisman finalist in large part because of his rushing production (862 yards, 10 TDs). He measured slightly bigger than expected, but is still well undersized. Pavia sprinkled in some impressive passes, but overall his physical limitations and status as a mental wild card make him unappealing—especially given that the QB class proved deeper than it first appeared. There aren’t any standout developmental qualities, either.
MORE: Diego Pavia measures 5-foot-10, opts out of 40-yard dash