There are only a couple of quarterbacks in the 2026 rookie class who can realistically expect to play in NFL games this season. Of that group, only No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is virtually guaranteed to have the opportunity to start. Strong showings in the preseason can go a long way in increasing the number of first-year quarterbacks who carve out meaningful roles on their respective teams, though.
For most of the professional newcomers who have been in action over the last two weeks, impressive preseason showings will help them latch onto rosters as second or third options. Take Joey Aguilar or Jalon Daniels, for instance. Both scored touchdowns in consecutive outings, and Daniels oversaw a comeback win for the Buccaneers in preseason Week 2.
They could go from undrafted free agents to important depth pieces because of their strong play. There were 15 rookie quarterbacks in action during the second week of the preseason. Some started, others entered the lineup during the second half, and one saw less than a minute of action.
Below are grades for each of those rookie quarterbacks who played in Week 2. Adjusting from college football to the NFL is hard. Do not let one rough preseason game against a stellar defense get in the way of Fernando Mendoza's potential to find ample success as a pro, potentially as soon as the latter stages of his rookie year.
It really was a tough one, though. The No. 1 overall pick threw a pick-six that went 80 yards the other way on the Raiders' opening possession, and he finished his first start 8-for-15 for 86 yards. He also took a sack for a loss of 11 yards.
Mendoza did not reduce the gap between him and Kirk Cousins, but that was never the goal of this preseason. Las Vegas has no reason to rush him into the lineup. Geno Smith gave Cade Klubnik a tough act to follow when he completed all seven of his passes and scored a touchdown, but his potential backup held his own against a Steelers defense that forced all kinds of pressure on the pocket.
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