The 2026 NFL Draft does not feature a deep class of quarterback prospects, but we've identified which ones may develop into late-round steals.
The overwhelming expectation is that the Las Vegas Raiders will select Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall. After that, we may not see another quarterback selected during the opening round. LSU Garrett's Nussmeier will probably be the third signal-caller drafted.
. The overwhelming expectation is that the Las Vegas Raiders will select Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall. After that, we may not see another quarterback selected during the opening round.. LSU Garrett's Nussmeier will probably be the third signal-caller drafted. From there on out, quarterback-needy teams will be attempting to identify the late-round value picks.North Dakota State Bison quarterback Cole Payton searches for an opening to pass the ball during a game against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota. / Samantha Laurey / Argus Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Cole Payton may get selected too early to qualify for this list post-draft, but until further notice, the FCS quarterback isPayton threw for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns. The dual-threat quarterback rushed for 777 yards and 13 additional scores. Payton's mechanics are a work in progress, but he'll be aOct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar stands on the field during a warmup prior to the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images / Matthew O'Haren-Imagn ImagesAllar's mechanics are currently erratic and chaotic. Accuracy and decision making falter when under pressure in the pocket. Allar was once considered a potential first-round pick. A disappointing 2025 season that ended in injury derailed his stock,Dec 27, 2025; Bronx, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik looks to pass during the first half of the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is another late-round option in this draft who failed to meet expectations. The Austin, Texas native was excellent in 2024, throwing for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns. Klubnik took a disappointing step backwards this past season, managing just 16 passing scores. Klubnik is athletic enough to navigate pressure in the pocket by extending plays. At his best, Klubnik delivers a catchable ball while showing good anticipation in a rhythm and timing offense. Inconsistent accuracy becomes an issue when he falls out of rhythm.Jan 27, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; East quarterback Jalon Daniels looks on during the first half against the West at the Ford Center at the Star. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is among the more experienced options in the NFL Draft as a sixth-year senior. There's no questioning the arm talent on tape. Daniels can hit vertical throws with decent anticipation. Daniels has a tendency to force ill-advised throws into tight windows, proven by his 19 interceptions in 2024-25. With 400-plus rushing yards in three separate seasons, Daniels possesses enough athleticism to occasionally create something out of nothing. He has long-term backup quarterback potential.Justin Melo is the publisher of NFL Draft on SI, a Sports Illustrated channel. He has previous experience covering the NFL Draft in a professional capacity at various outlets such as The Draft Network, USA Today SMG, and SB Nation. NFL Draft on SI will cover all things NFL Draft extensively, with scouting reports, prospect rankings, big boards, and unique first-hand stories. It will also be home to Melo's NFL Draft prospect interview series, which has featured more than 1,000 exclusive interviews with NFL Draft picks. Melo is also the published author of Titans of The South: Photographs and History of the Tennessee Titans, available where all books are sold.
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NFL Draft Late Round Value Picks: QuarterbackThe 2026 NFL Draft does not feature a deep class of quarterback prospects, but we've identified which ones may develop into late-round steals.
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