Jan 31, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National quarterback Cole Payton (9) of North Dakota State throws the ball during the second half of the 2026 Senior Bowl at University of South Alabama, Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
The 2026 NFL Combine opens on Monday, February 23, with prospects arriving alongside their positional groups over the next few days. During their time in Indianapolis, players will complete orientation, undergo medical checks, meet with NFL teams, and take the podium to answer media questions. Then, on Thursday, February 26, NFL Network will begin four days of on-field drill coverage.
As we have done in past years, our coverage of this event will begin with a series of articles previewing each position group, leading up to the televised coverage. After each day of on-field drills, we will share our opinions on prospects who improved their draft stock, publishing another series of articles reviewing their performances.
Our preview series kicks off with the quarterbacks—who will participate in on-field activities on Saturday, February 28—that the Detroit Lions should monitor closely during positional activities.
Team need
Jared Goff is signed through 2028, has nearly $100 million in guarantees in his current deal, and that number could increase this offseason if the Lions elect to restructure his contract, as expected. Essentially, they’re locked in with their starting quarterback. Beyond Goff, things are unsettled at the position, but most anticipate the Lions will either re-sign Kyle Allen or another veteran in free agency to fill their backup position.
With developmental quarterback Hendon Hooker released this past season, it’s possible the Lions look to this draft for a new developmental QB3. However, the Lions have historically kept only two quarterbacks on the active roster, so they’re unlikely to use a draft pick on a player who would likely be cut in hopes of making the practice squad.
So why scout this quarterback draft class?
Mainly because the Lions will likely face at least one quarterback from this draft class in the next few years, and possibly as soon as this upcoming season. The Combine offers teams the chance to gather extensive information on players they would otherwise not have access to, making this event a unique opportunity to prepare for future opponents.
What to watch for during on-field drills
Scouting quarterbacks at the Combine is unlike any other position. Not only are teams looking for on-field physical traits in limited (and often obstructed) drop-backs, but they also want to see what prospects do when they’re not throwing the ball. Here are a few things to key in on:
- Balance through their drop-backs and footwork is smooth
- Throwing mechanics: Proper or unorthodox?
- Ball placement is accurate (worry less about completions with unfamiliar receivers)
- Are they relaxed under the bright lights?
- Can they flip the switch with the ball in their hand?
- Can they put the misses behind them, or do they get caught in the negative?
- Do they want the ball and jump at chances for extra reps?
- Leadership and social skills are a premium trait for this position (Do they get along/interact with others?)
From 1 to 100
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (6-foot-5, 225 pounds)
Mendoza is on pace to be the No. 1 player drafted in 2026, and so it shouldn’t be surprising that
he reportedly won’t be participating in on-field drills. If you were able to watch any of Indiana’s path through the College Football Playoffs, you likely saw Mendoza flash skills that likely reminded you of Jared Goff’s time at California. With a prototype NFL quarterback’s frame, Mendoza has the intelligence, accuracy, and intangibles to be an NFL starter for a long time.
Ty Simpson, Alabama, (6-foot-2, 210)
With limited college experience (15 career starts) and big swings in consistency, it’s not surprising that Simpson is giving off some J.J. McCarthy vibes. His upside could have a QB-needy team grab him in the top 10, when the reality is that he’s probably not among the top 32 players in this draft class. If he participates in on-field drills, he’ll have a chance to improve his stock.
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU (6-foot-1, 202)
Nussmeier is the son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and been around the game since birth. Entering the season, Nussmeier was considered the best quarterback in this class, but injuries and inconsistent play crippled his season, exposed his flaws, and now he’ll be hoping to be drafted in the top-100 picks. He’s slightly undersized, but he has strong confidence in his skill set and plays with an aggressive mindset. His gunslinger mentality can be a double-edged sword: it can lead to special plays, but it can also have disastrous results.
Lions offensive assistant and former NFL quarterback
Marques Tuiasosopo was given the opportunity to coach the quarterbacks on the American Team at the Senior Bowl and got an up-close look at Nussmeier throughout the week of practices.
2 more SB QBs coached by Tuiasosopo
In addition to Nussmeier, Tuiasosopo also coached two other NFL QB prospects, both of whom could be selected on Day 3 of the draft, or could end up as priority undrafted free agents.
Taylen Green, Arkansas (6-foot-6, 229)
If Green is drafted, it’ll be because a team is betting on his traits over experience/production. Blessed with great size and athleticism for the position, Green is a dual-threat quarterback with a big arm and high developmental ceiling. While he’s more Tyrelle Pryor than Anthony Richardson, Green was a dangerous weapon in college, but he will need more consistency with his mechanics and decision-making to make it in the NFL. At the Combine, his mechanics and accuracy will be highly studied.
Side note: With Green’s size and athleticism, it wouldn’t be surprising to see if teams request him to go through tight end drills.
Luke Altmeyer, Illinois (6-foot-1 1/4, 210)
Altmeyer is a bit undersized and struggles with pressure, leading to him hesitating and holding onto the ball too long, resulting in sacks. As a result, most teams will view him as a late-round pick or UDFA. That being said, Altmeyer has a solid arm, above-average accuracy, has good mechanics, and is a plus athlete. His familiarity with West Coast principles will appeal to the Lions, and combined with his positive traits, could be enough for Detroit to try to develop.
Wild Card
Cole Payton, North Dakota State (6-foot-2 1/2, 229)
After backing up Cam Miller (now with Raiders) for multiple seasons, Payton was given the keys to the offense in 2025 and thrived. While limited starting experience at quarterback and unconventional mechanics will hurt his draft stock, there are a plethora of intangibles that will appeal to NFL teams. Right now, his draft stock seems to be all over the map, ranging from Day 2 to UDFA.
He possesses NFL starter-level accuracy at all levels, from the pocket and on the run, and can drive the football with a powerful arm. He’s not afraid to tuck and run, and uses his powerful frame to his advantage, leaning on his running back background to gain extra yards. While he only has one year of starting experience at QB, he’s played in 52 career games at NDSU, as coaches found ways to get him on the field where his athleticism could shine.
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