Introduction

As the anticipation builds for the 2026 NFL Draft, much of the spotlight has focused on Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Alabama's Ty Simpson, two quarterbacks projected to make a significant impact at the next level. However, analyst Todd McShay argues that two other prospects should not be overlooked. North Dakota State's Cole Payton and Arkansas’ Taylen Green have shown tremendous potential and possess the skills that might make them valuable assets in the upcoming draft.

Cole Payton: The Most Underrated Prospect

According to McShay, Cole Payton stands out as the most underrated quarterback in the entire draft. During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, he expressed confidence in Payton's abilities, stating, "I think he's a Day 2 pick and he's going to surprise some people." With a strong final season at North Dakota State, Payton threw for 16 touchdowns against just four interceptions, impressing scouts and analysts alike. His performance showcases not only his ability to find the end zone but also his decision-making skills, which are crucial when transitioning to the NFL.

Taylen Green: Speed and Playmaking

Taylen Green from Arkansas is equally noteworthy. McShay places Green on his big board as the fourth-best quarterback, which is a testament to his athleticism and potential to succeed at the professional level. Green electrified crowds in his final season, rushing for 777 yards and finding the end zone eight times. In addition to his production on the ground, his impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.36 seconds at the NFL scouting combine underscores his speed, making him a dual-threat quarterback that teams find increasingly valuable.

The Current Draft Landscape

Despite the emerging recognition of Payton and Green, Mendoza and Simpson remain the frontrunners in the conversation surrounding quarterback prospects. The latest mock draft by Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department lists only Mendoza and Simpson as potential first-round picks. Their performances in college have distinctly set them apart, creating an exciting narrative surrounding their potential early selection. The draft community is abuzz with expectations that teams are zeroing in on these two as their future signal-callers.

Potential Second-Round Surprises

While Mendoza and Simpson dominate the headlines, McShay highlights the increasing interest in drafting project quarterbacks in the second round. This is where Cole Payton and Taylen Green enter the conversation. With coaches and general managers often looking for depth and potential in their rosters, these quarterbacks could provide teams with solid options to consider, especially for franchises that remain skeptical about more prominently ranked names such as LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, Miami’s Carson Beck, and Penn State’s Drew Allar.

What the Future Holds

As teams prepare for the draft, the spotlight will undoubtedly shift back to Mendoza and Simpson, but the recognition of Payton and Green could come as a breath of fresh air for organizations looking for under-the-radar talent. If teams opt to pursue developmental quarterbacks, both prospects possess qualities that can translate to the NFL. Payton could emerge as a dependable backup while showcasing the potential for future starting duties, and Green’s electrifying playmaking might disrupt traditional offenses, offering more dynamic strategies to NFL teams.

Conclusion

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Cole Payton and Taylen Green have illustrated that they deserve attention beyond just being supporting characters in the stories of Mendoza and Simpson. Analysts like Todd McShay emphasize their potential to surprise at the next level, and as teams evaluate their options, each quarterback's unique skill set could lead them to carve out notable careers in the league. With the draft landscape constantly evolving, especially in the quarterback position, it will be fascinating to watch how these players' fortunes unfold.