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QB1 Debate: Orlovsky Ranks Simpson Over Mendoza

Published March 27, 2026 · Updated March 27, 2026 · Yahoo Sport

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky has created controversy by declaring Ty Simpson as the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL draft class, bypassing consensus QB1 Fernando Mendoza.

Orlovsky's assertion that Simpson deserves the QB1 label has drawn mixed reactions in the sports community. While some view it as a contrarian 'hot take' designed to generate attention, others point out that the consensus top QB prospect hasn't always turned out to be the best player in the class.

Looking at the last 10 NFL drafts, there are several examples where the consensus QB1 wasn't the best quarterback in the class. In 2022, Malik Willis was the top-ranked QB but Kenny Pickett was drafted first and has outperformed him. This pattern has fueled the debate about how much weight should be given to pre-draft rankings.

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