Patra projects No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza to debut for the Raiders in Week 5, with Rams first-rounder Simpson not expected to start before a possible Week 18 spot duty.
He says Arizona's third-rounder Beck could start by Week 13 if contract issues around Jacoby Brissett and a poor season persist, while Steelers rookie Allar looks more like a 2027 option.
Patra notes 2026 could be the first season since 2022, and only the second since 2007, to open without a rookie quarterback starter, as several teams prefer veterans or developmental plans.
Is the NFL's 'sit-and-learn' QB strategy a wise investment or a gamble that stunts a top prospect's development?
Is this weak rookie QB class a one-year anomaly, or a new NFL reality shaped by college NIL money?
How does drafting an heir apparent affect an MVP quarterback's performance and the team’s locker room chemistry?