The NFL just proved something at roster cuts: The 2026 rookie quarterback class is a lot better than anyone expected it to be.
There were 10 quarterbacks selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, including Fernando Mendoza with the 1st overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. Alabama's Ty Simpson was the only other quarterback taken in the 1st round (Los Angeles Rams), and as a matter of fact, was the only other quarterback selected within the first two rounds.
It wasn't until the Arizona Cardinals took Carson Beck with the 65th overall pick that another quarterback came off the board, and the final seven selections started slowly trickling in after that.
Now that the 2026 preseason is over and NFL roster cuts have come and gone, it's clear that even the league itself was probably too low on the incoming QB class, but it also seems like they have realized it rather quickly.
Every QB draft pick in the 2026 class made their team's final 53-man roster
All 10 draft picks at the quarterback position made the final 53-man roster for their respective teams.
- Fernando Mendoza, Raiders
- Ty Simpson, Rams
- Carson Beck, Cardinals
- Drew Allar, Steelers
- Cade Klubnik, Jets
- Cole Payton, Eagles
- Taylen Green, Browns
- Athan Kaliakmanis, Commanders
- Behren Morton, Patriots
- Garrett Nussmeier, Chiefs
In some of these cases, the quarterbacks drafted didn't just make the team, but were also named QB2 behind the starters. That includes Cade Klubnik of the New York Jets entering the 2026 season as Geno Smith's backup.
And it wasn't just the players that got drafted, either.
Undrafted free agent Jalon Daniels not only made the Buccaneers' 53-man roster, but will be opening up the 2026 season as Baker Mayfield's QB2.
Other undrafted rookie quarterbacks to make 53-rosters around the league include:
- Joe Fagnano, Ravens
- Haynes King, Panthers
- Jack Strand, Falcons
Even if these players end up being career backups, It's fascinating that 14 different teams were able to find assets at the game's most important position in the same incoming rookie class. I'm not sure that's even something you can really research, but it's got to be one of the first times or one of the only times that's ever happened.
The league clearly wasn't high on the class as a whole, evidenced by the fact that only four guys went in the first three rounds. The 2024 NFL Draft class had six quarterbacks off the board in the first 12 picks overall. The NFL is not afraid to take bold risks at the position, but this offseason, there was a much more measured approach.
And perhaps being so deliberate allowed teams to find the right fits at the position.
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