When Greg Cosell talks about quarterbacks, it’s wise to listen. The long-time analyst at NFL Films has built quite the resume scouting the position. He recently appeared on the 33rd Team’s Check the Mic podcast to weigh in on this year’s class.

Outside of Fernando Mendoza, Cosell’s big takeaway from the group is that none of them can start day one. That’s not great news for needy teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“After (Mendoza), you’re dealing with guys who, in my view, are not ready to play right now,” Cosell said.

He shared his thoughts on several prospects, starting with Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Cosell noted that Simpson does have a major feather in his cap, coming from a pro-style offense where he needed to make advanced reads. He also praised him for making “NFL throws” throughout the last season, showing that he has a good enough arm to play at the next level.

Now time for the negative. Cosell pointed out that Simpson was sped up at the end of the year, missing throws and targets. Size is also an issue for him, as he wonders if Simpson can stand up physically in the NFL.

With Simpson being mocked fairly consistently in the first round, it sounds like Cosell is not too fond of the idea of being picked early and playing early because of it.

Cosell touched on LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier next. He called him a player he was “fascinated by” because of the stark difference in tape from 2024 to 2025. In 2024, he viewed him as a high-level college starter with the ability to start in the NFL. In 2025, he looked like a “totally different player.” Much of that can be attributed to his reported oblique injury, which apparently hampered him the entire year. Still, he thinks there’s a good chance he could be a starter.

Interestingly, Cosell picked Miami’s Carson Beck, who could end up being an NFL starter. He didn’t exactly go to bat for Beck, but thinks there’s a chance it works out in the NFL.

“If he’s coached well and goes to the right spot, he could be a quality starter,” Cosell said. “If it doesn’t work out that way, he could be out of the league in five years.”

Of the rest, Cosell also touched on Drew Allar, Joey Aguilar and Cole Payton. He fawned over Allar about his arm but doesn’t think he sees the field well and feels there’s “something missing.” Cosell liked Aguilar, saying that he should be drafted, showing flashes of NFL traits. Payton needs to completely rework his throwing motion, according to Cosell, but he is tough and could be an interesting project.

In short, Cosell isn’t swooning over the class but sees some players with traits that could pan out to a strong starter in the NFL.