“He is very much Brock Purdy to me”: Dan Orlovsky levels $1,401,000,000 CFB program’s QB with Fernando Mendoza ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Dan Orlovsky levels $1,401,000,000 CFB program’s QB with Fernando Mendoza ahead of 2026 NFL Draft- Source: Getty

Dan Orlovsky continues his comparison of Ty Simpson with the 2025 Heisman winner, Fernando Mendoza. The ex-Alabama quarterback is considered to be the second-best prospect at this position in this year’s draft.

On Monday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Orlovsky said that Simpson’s Alabama (worth $1.401 billion as per CBS Sports) tape is as impressive as Fernando Mendoza’s. He also claimed that the quarterback had similar characteristics to San Francisco 49ers star Brock Purdy.

“I firmly believe, if Ty Simpson was 6’4″, or he had 20 plus college starts, he would be in play at No.2 for the New York Jets,” Orlovsky said. “He is very much Brock Purdy to me. If you watch his tape, and you just take everything else away, all you see is big time throws, NFL style throws. … like the things that we watch and demand of NFL quarterbacks.

“He’s surgical in rhythm and timing. And that’s why I say Brock Purdy. … Mendoza is impressive, but I think Ty Simpson, tape-wise? Just as impressive.”

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This is not the first time that Dan Orlovsky has heaped praise on the ex-Alabama quarterback. Last month, he claimed that Simpson was a slightly better prospect than Mendoza.

“Through eight games, you see good (for Mendoza), but there’s a lot that’s underwhelming,” Orlovsky said on ‘First Take.’ “I think there’s lot, when you what Mendoza’s tape through eight games. … You’re looking at a guy they say is a first pick.

“I think through eight games, Ty Simpson’s game from Alabama, … I think is significantly more impressive than Fernando Mendoza.”

Simpson spent the first three years in Tuscaloosa as a backup option on the depth chart. He was handed the QB1 duties last season. He helped the Crimson Tide qualify for the playoffs. However, they lost to Indiana in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal game. The quarterback recorded 3,567 yards and 28 TDs passing.


ALSO READ: NFL analyst flags three troubling Fernando Mendoza stats as Raiders plan to make Indiana QB No. 1 pick in 2026 Draft

ALSO READ: Tom Brady’s Raiders eyeing Pro Bowl QB to mentor Fernando Mendoza amid Derek Carr’s plea


Ex-Jets scout warns Raiders over drafting Fernando Mendoza No.1 overall

The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to draft Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in this year’s draft. However, ex-Jets scout Daniel Kelly believes that this might not be a wise decision for the team.

On the “Straight Fire” podcast, he highlighted some of the weaknesses in the quarterback’s game while also talking about the Raiders’ underwhelming pass protection.

“Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders. It blows my mind as an evaluator, because this is a Raiders team that’s given up the second-most sacks in the National Football League over the last two years,” Kelly said. “Right now, we’re going to put him in the NFL with a team that’s given up all these sacks, it is an absolute guaranteed recipe for disaster.

“I have a fourth-round value right now in Mendoza in terms of what his colleagues did. Mendoza and the first three rounds, not the first round. But the first three rounds, this guy is an absolute guaranteed bust.”

Last season, Geno Smith was the most sacked quarterback in the league (55 sacks). The Raiders finished with a disappointing 3-14 record.

On the other hand, Mendoza signed off his collegiate career by leading the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated national championship.

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