{"id":799485,"date":"2026-03-08T02:22:43","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T02:22:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/799485\/"},"modified":"2026-03-08T02:22:43","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T02:22:43","slug":"the-2026-nfl-drafts-best-quarterback-that-you-havent-heard-of","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/799485\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2026 NFL Draft\u2019s best quarterback that you haven\u2019t heard of"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2026 NFL<\/a> Draft is less than two months away. Multiple teams are working on their draft boards, even with free agency set to start next week.<\/p>\n

A hot topic of the NFL Draft every year is who is in the quarterback pool of prospects. Fernando Mendoza appears to be the first overall pick lock.<\/p>\n

After that, it\u2019s Ty Simpson and then anyone\u2019s guess who falls in the pecking order. However, there\u2019s a name out there that not many are familiar with\u2013myself included.<\/p>\n

MORE: Joe Burrow needs to consider requesting a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals<\/a><\/p>\n

The QB3 of the NFL draft could be from a small school in Minnesota. Minnesota State\u2013Moorhead Dragons\u2019 quarterback Jack Stand is draft eligible. He might be the best passer no one has heard of.<\/p>\n

Jack Who?<\/p>\n

Strand didn\u2019t get a Shrine Bowl or Senior Bowl invite. He didn\u2019t receive an NFL Scouting Combine invite either. He did receive an invite to the American Bowl, where he saw some action.<\/p>\n

When you dig deeper into his history, despite being a DII QB in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, he could be the draft\u2019s diamond in the rough. He has it all.<\/p>\n

Strand has the prototypical size at six-feet-five-inches and 240 pounds. He can make throws on the move. He has a very strong arm.<\/p>\n

MORE: Kyler Murray has a preferred NFL team to play for in 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

In his senior season, he threw 42 touchdowns, averaged over 300 yards a game, and added five more rushing scores. The best game of his senior-season included a 21-0 comeback victory where he threw six touchdowns.<\/p>\n

Strand\u2019s highlight reel is filled with incredible throws. Tight windows, deep shots downfield, throwing receivers open, and the qualities NFL teams seek in their field general.<\/p>\n

Strand may not get drafted at all. However, if there\u2019s an NFL team needing a quarterback, he could be their guy.<\/p>\n

MORE: Dallas Cowboys star Dak Prescott, fianc\u00e9e break up before wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

The NFL-hopeful was a First-Team All-NISC selection, an All-American Academic selection, and a William V. Campbell finalist in 2025. Don\u2019t be fooled by Strand\u2019s level of competition.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Janurary 7, 2026; The NFL Draft Clock sits across the street from the Pittsburgh Steelers\u2019 Acrisure Stadium.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

His awards, film, and stats all point to a quarterback who can make a case to play in the pros. After all, he might be the NFL Draft\u2019s best quarterback that you haven\u2019t heard of.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead <\/a>\u2014<\/p>\n

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