Ranking the best rookie quarterback fits from the 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 NFL Draft has reached its conclusion, and with it, we've closed the book on one of the most underwhelming quarterback classes in recent memory.
It didn't quite play out how we imagined. Ty Simpson's floundering stock was saved by the Los Angeles Rams in the middle of Round 1, but Garrett Nussmeier fell to seventh. No quarterbacks went in the second, the three from the third round went too early, and a smattering of Day 3 hopefuls found their new homes.
As those passers get acclimated to the next level, it's worth investigating which ones are set up for success in 2026 and beyond.
10. Behren Morton, Texas Tech (New England Patriots)
Morton has a real shot at being New England's backup quarterback this season. The quarterback room lacks a reliable veteran and his main competition is Tommy DeVito -- it's a winnable battle.
However, we know that Morton isn't getting real playing time unless something goes seriously wrong; and even in this event, a competitive team may prefer an outside veteran. If he does play, he's still operating with a below-average receiving corps, a changing offensive line, and a coaching staff that may have some turbulence in its future.
Morton's ceiling is being a decent second-string quarterback, but he may be better served by being the gameday inactive for a season instead of being thrust into relief work.
For all the talent added in this class, the Jets' process wasn't always ideal. Adding Klubnik in the fourth was a reach, trading up for the right to do so was worse, and the move reeks of offensive coordinator Frank Reich taking the reins for a pick.
None of that makes his fit with the New York worse. But neither the current coaching staff nor the depth chart conjures up much optimism.
Klubnik is a developmental backup, which means it'll likely be more than just Geno Smith in his path to playing time. He lacks Smith's aggression and effectiveness downfield, and the change of pace to a more RPO-centric offense would be more about keeping the offense afloat than fostering development.
From a long-term perspective, a bad season from the Jets would mean a second coaching staff and, potentially, a regime looking to replace its entire quarterback room. This attempt at hitting big feels ill-fated from the start.
Incompetence might stunt Klubnik's development in East Rutherford. It'll threaten to do the same to Taylen Green in Cleveland.
Todd Monken is an excellent offensive mind and a good professor for any young quarterback. Still, he'll be entering the league's most chaotic quarterback room, with little recourse in the form of ideal veteran mentorship.
The spotlight will once again be on Cleveland's quarterback controversy, and by nature of being on the Browns, there's a decent chance Green sees playing time in Year 1. His experience and raw physical tools will help him tread water, but playing with multiple rookie receivers and a new offensive line could make life more difficult, especially in negative game scripts.
Taking Beck in the third round was one of Day 2's most curious selections, and head coach Mike LaFleur's lack of conviction about the plan for his development isn't making anyone more optimistic.
Arizona has some weapons at its disposal, especially after drafting running back Jeremiyah Love in Round 1. Trey McBride headlines a crop of pass catchers that lacks juice on the perimeter, and the Cardinals will hope an offseason's worth of additions helps remodel the offensive line.
As for Beck, he remains little more than leverage against Jacoby Brissett. The veteran is a suitable mentor, but Beck's pro-readiness might make him a candidate to start ahead of schedule. Beck doesn't have the tools to cheat defenses, and with the test only getting more difficult, it's hard to envision him having significant success as a rookie.
With a first-year head coach feeling the heat of his new gig, there's a chance Beck gets into game action, struggles, and is permanently relegated to second-string duties. Arizona is neither the best short- nor long-term home for Beck's development.
6. Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers (Washington Commanders)