How important is QB1 in the NFL Draft?

Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images There has been a lot of discussion this week when it comes to the quarterback position in the NFL Draft and specifically QB1. Earlier in the week, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky went on air to say that Ty Simpson was the best quarterback in the class.

“I think Ty Simpson is the best quarterback in this class. ” — @danorlovsky7 makes a strong claim ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft ⬇️ pic. twitter.

com/Kgj0Z9Rgtc — Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 23, 2026 Orlovsky used to be, and generally still is, seen as a respected voice in sports media. However, in recent years, he’s certainly fallen into the current sports media landscape ‘hot take’ trap more than he did at the beginning of his analyst career. That’s why when Orlovsky called Simpson the best quarterback in the class ahead of Mendoza, especially using ‘big games’ as the reasoning, it was seen as just another hot take.

It could be true that this was partially another contrarian ’hot take’ put out there by Orlovsky to generate clicks and attention. Is it contrarian for the sake of being contrarian? At the same time, when it comes to these cases, there may also be more ‘faux outrage’ by viewers than necessary.