Dan Orlovsky Accused Of Showing Bias With 2026 NFL Draft Coverage

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky is facing plenty of backlash this week for something he said about the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.

During this Monday's episode of "Get Up," Orlovsky declared that Alabama's Ty Simpson is the best quarterback in this year's draft class. Most analysts, however, have Indiana star Fernando Mendoza ranked as the top quarterback prospect. In fact, he's the overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick.

Orlovsky ultimately believes Simpson was asked to do more at the collegiate level than Mendoza. To be fair, Indiana had a much more dynamic rushing attack than Alabama.

"Ty Simpson is QB1. Ty Simpson is the best quarterback in this class," Orlovsky said. "When you look at the body of work and what was asked of these two quarterbacks, you have to start with the question, who needed to do more to carry their football team to play well? Ty Simpson, and it’s not close between those two quarterbacks."

While it's possible Orlovsky truly values Simpson's skillset more than Mendoza's, NFL fans are convinced he's simply firing off this take because they're represented by the same agency, CAA.

Mendoza, on the other hand, is currently represented by Excel Sports Management.

"Seriously need to get this guy off tv lol he just pushes nasty agendas," one person said.

"Also, don’t forget the clear connection between ESPN and SEC," a second person wrote..

"It’s a lot more likely that the news is slow and they’re trying to make a story. I don’t think fans realize how little loyalty these guys actually have to their agencies," another person argued.

Where will Ty Simpson end up?

Simpson had a great 2025 season with the Crimson Tide, throwing for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions. As of now, he's been linked to the New York Jets, Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers.

According to ESPN's Louis Riddick, the Rams believe Simpson would be a good scheme fit in Sean McVay's system.

“I can tell you this, I know personally, look, I know that they like Ty Simpson from Alabama,” Riddick said. “And when you look at Ty’s skill set, and you think about Ty’s makeup, that’s exactly what they’re looking for.”

We'll only have to wait one more month to find out where Simpson's NFL career will begin.