NFL combine 2026: Grading Ty Simpson, Carson Beck and other top QB prospects during on-field workouts

At least two signal-callers have been taken in the first round every year except one over the past decade

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has established himself as the top quarterback prospect in this draft class. However, he did not participate in athletic testing or on-field drills in Indianapolis. He quite literally stepped aside to watch his peers — LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, Alabama's Ty Simpson, Miami's Carson Beck and others — fight for the right to be the second quarterback taken in April's draft.

At least two quarterbacks have been taken in the first round every year over the past decade except one (Kenny Pickett in 2022). A year ago, Miami's Cam Ward went No. 1 overall to the Titans, but the next quarterback (Jaxson Dart) did not come off the board until No. 25 overall. Will a second quarterback rise into the first round?

Here is how several quarterbacks fared Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine:

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place April 23–25 in Pittsburgh. You can find more draft coverage at CBSSports.com, including weekly mock drafts and regular evaluations of the top prospects.

Grade: N/A -- Fernando Mendoza did not take part in any athletic testing, but he was on the field supporting other competitors and chatting with former Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.