The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny The Mendoza Line: Discussing the QBs and RBs of the 2026 Draft
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Apr 1, 2026 
Nate Tice, draft/scouting expert known for film-based QB and RB evaluations, and Danny Kelly, writer and podcaster active in draft coverage, break down the 2026 QB and RB class. They debate why Fernando Mendoza sits atop the board, Ty Simpson’s first-round risk, mid-round QB darts, Jeremiah Love’s explosiveness and team fits, and the rest of the running back tiers.
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Mendoza Fits A Kubiak Play Action System
- Mendoza should adapt mentally to a Kubiak/Shanahan-style, play-action heavy offense and may avoid rookie overwhelm.
- Nate argues Mendoza's varied college game-planning experience and athleticism make him suited to that system.
Ty Simpson Is Polished But Inconsistently Productive
- Ty Simpson shows strong zone reads and an NFL-caliber arm but is inconsistent across games.
- Mina and Danny point to a tale-of-two-seasons, with clear flashes but worrying inconsistency and short college sample size.
Size And Starts Multiply Simpson's Risk
- Small stature plus limited starts is historically risky for first-round QBs unless paired with elite athleticism.
- Danny and Nate list the sparse group of successful sub-6'2"/low-start QBs and warn first-round betting is a big gamble.