Just heard ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky say Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (6'5, 236 lbs.) is not the best quarterback coming into this year's NFL Draft. So, I researched the Alabama quarterback who Dan chose as the best, Ty Simpson.
The first thing I noticed about Ty was his smaller size (6'1, 211lbs.). He incurred a number of injuries in his final college season which likely limited his play in the latter half. Second is his experience as a starter. He has one full season (2025) as a starter. Third, and the one everyone but Dan Orlovsky equates to best quarterback in the draft, is what we all saw Fernando Mendoza do throughout the season and CFP to win the National Championship. He was deservedly named MVP of the Championship Game, to go along with the Heisman Trophy awarded for his season of play.
So why would any informed, unbiased ESPN sports analyst pick what appears to be the second-best quarterback in the upcoming draft over the first?
1. Last month Dan said he believes Ty Simpson's performance was more impressive than Fernando Mendoza's over the first eight games of the season before injuries limited Simpson. He see's limitations in Mendoza's passing game and credits a mostly clean pocket to his success. Perhaps, as one analyst commented about Dan's recent "Ty Simpson best quarterback in the draft" opinion, he is just doubling down on an earlier opinion that wasn't that popular in February.
2. My guess is Dan is just trying to foster doubt in the Raiders number one draft pick. Why? So, the New York Jets with the number two draft pick can get the truly best quarterback in the draft? Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum also shares Dan's opinion of Ty Simpson. Smells like Dan might've gotten caught up in a poker game where, in over his head, he bet a bold draft take prediction and now has to produce commentary.
3. Or Dan Orlovsky is simply a sports genius, and we're all just deer caught in the sports headlights, too fearful or confused to see anyone but Fernando as the #1 pick.
The 2026 NFL Draft is April 23-26. Here's what Artificial Intelligence Overview gives us deer to chew on about Fernando Mendoza until the draft:
AI Overview
Fernando Mendoza is a standout quarterback who led the Indiana Hoosiers to their first-ever National Championship in the 2025-26 College Football Playoff (CFP) season. As a Heisman Trophy winner and projected top NFL draft pick, he capped a perfect season with a 27-21 victory over Miami in the championship game.
Key Achievements & Profile
2025-26 CFP Performance: Led Indiana to a 16-0 season, throwing for over 3,500 yards and a nation-leading 41 touchdowns, Dan.
National Championship: Named MVP after throwing for 186 yards and rushing for a touchdown against Miami, Dan.
Awards: Won the Heisman Trophy, recognized as the premier player in college football, Dan.
Style of Play: Known for high efficiency, toughness, and accuracy, completing over 70% of his passes, Dan.
Draft Status: Recognized as a likely No. 1 overall pick for the NFL draft, Dan.
Background
Career Path: Began his career at Cal before transferring to Indiana, where he developed under coach Curt Cignetti, Dan.
Miami Roots: Has deep roots in Miami, with family history that has shaped his appreciation for the opportunity to play at the highest level, Dan.
Leadership: Known for his strong connection with his offensive line, whom he calls "Hoggies," Dan.
Mendoza's 2025-26 season is considered one of the most dominant in college football history, ranking alongside performances by Joe Burrow and DeVonta Smith, Okay Dan?
Dan Orlovsky Is All In | UConn Magazine (Fall 2024)
