The third week of the 2026 NFL preseason featured mixed performances from the league’s newest quarterback prospects. Los Angeles Rams first-round selection Ty Simpson delivered an impressive showing that earned top marks from evaluators. Meanwhile, an undrafted signal caller from the Baltimore Ravens, Joe Fagnano, demonstrated that premium draft status does not guarantee success in professional football.
Simpson’s performance stood out among his rookie counterparts during the week’s competition. The Rams’ investment in the young quarterback appears to be paying early dividends as he showcases the skills that prompted the franchise to use a coveted early pick on his services. His trajectory through the preseason has provided optimism for Los Angeles moving forward.
In contrast, Fernando Mendoza struggled during the same preseason week, receiving lower grades for his efforts. The divergence in performance between high draft picks and undrafted players highlights the unpredictable nature of quarterback development at the professional level. As teams continue evaluating their rosters through the remainder of the preseason, these early assessments will play a crucial role in determining depth chart decisions and roster compositions heading into the regular season.
Originally reported by Cbssports →
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