Analyst Ben Solak plotted every draft‑eligible quarterback across seven rounds, balancing scheme fit, team need and draft capital. He earmarked Fernando Mendoza as the Las Vegas Raiders’ No. 1 pick, despite the rookie’s limited under‑center experience. Solak argues the Raiders’ new coach, Klint Kubiak, can adapt Mendoza’s shotgun skill set to an under‑center system.

The second‑round outlook spots Alabama’s Ty Simpson slipping to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 31, likely via a trade with New England. Solak compares Simpson to previous late‑first‑round QBs, noting his quick decision‑making and footwork, while warning that pressure may expose accuracy flaws. The Cardinals’ Mike LaFleur could mold Simpson into a pocket distributor similar to Brock Purdy.

Overall, Solak’s exercise highlights a thin quarterback class with only nine viable prospects. By matching each player to a realistic destination, he illustrates how teams value developmental backs and the strategic use of draft assets. The projections provide a roadmap for fans tracking how each franchise might address its quarterback future this year.