The Saints’ Quarterback Crossroads: Three Names That Could Define the Future

The New Orleans Saints are staring at, yet, another rebuild. A t 2–8 and anchored at the bottom of the NFC South, they currently hold the second overall pick in April, a position that could reset the trajectory of the franchise.

Now, taking a look at things if the season ended today, the team in front of them, the Tennessee Titans, already has its quarterback in Cam Ward, last year’s No. 1 overall pick. And while the Giants' future remains up in the air at head coach, New York has their guy under center in Jaxson Dart.

That leaves New Orleans, a franchise adrift at quarterback since the post–Drew Brees era began, with an open runway to draft their next face of the franchise. They’ve cycled through both Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough this fall, but neither has shown the traits of a long-term leader under center just yet, and the leash is extremely short.


If the Saints indeed hold firm at No. 2 overall, they’ll have their pick of a quarterback class headlined by Alabama’s Ty Simpson, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, and potentially Oregon’s Dante Moore, who's unlikely to declare.

2026 quarterback class doesn't stop with Francisco Mendoza

Ty Simpson, Alabama

No one will confuse Simpson with a combine superstar. He’s not the flashiest or most explosive quarterback in the class, but between the white lines, Simpson has been one of college football’s most consistent field generals.

At Alabama, Simpson has elevated an offense that’s leaned heavily on timing, rhythm, and decision-making. He wins from the pocket, manipulates defenders with his eyes, and thrives attacking the middle of the field.

Scouts have praised his understanding of leverage, how he reads safeties, and how he maintains efficiency under pressure, along with his footwork and his ability to throw accurately in congested areas -- especially in the red area.

Simpson’s athletic profile isn’t going to blow anyone away, but his subtle pocket movement and ability to extend plays just long enough to find a window are valuable. He feels like the type of quarterback who could walk into New Orleans, learn quickly, and give the franchise steady, high-floor leadership -- a stylistic descendant of a Drew Brees type rather than a modern improviser.

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

The Heisman buzz around Mendoza isn’t a fluke, and it only gained steam following a last minute win at Penn State in Week 11.

The former Cal transfer has blossomed into one of the nation’s most polished and productive quarterbacks at Indiana, and he remains a headliner in a QB class currently without a consensus top guy.

What defines Mendoza is his ball placement, and the little things that will translate to the highest level of the game. He throws with anticipation, accuracy, and confidence to all three levels, and his mechanics are repeatable and clean.

Additionally, his ability to get the ball out quickly separates him from most college passers. When his back foot hits the turf, the ball is gone. It's a high level trait on tape, and something scouts look for when evaluating.

For New Orleans, a team that’s struggled to sustain drives and stay ahead of the sticks, Mendoza’s efficiency would be transformative. He’s the type of quarterback who can make the offense functional on Day 1 -- and potentially special down the road with correct development and correlating surroundings.

Dante Moore, Oregon

The wild card of this quarterback class is Moore. The Oregon star might not declare, but if he does, he has as good a shot as anyone to go No. 1 overall.

From a frame perspective before you ever flip on the tape, Moore checks every physical box imaginable. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, he has the size, arm strength, and confidence to make every throw on the field.

His arm talent stretches defenses, and his touch and ball control in the vertical game have become trademarks of Oregon’s high-powered offense.

What makes Moore different is his poise and creativity. He’s a three-level thrower who sees the field clearly, attacks coverage tendencies, and has enough athleticism to escape and deliver strikes off-platform. Against zone, he’s surgical; against man, he’s fearless.

If he declares, he’d be the rare prospect that blends both high ceiling and readiness -- the kind of quarterback that could completely alter the Saints’ rebuild timeline and potentially accelerate it.