Dan Orlovsky expands on controversial Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson NFL Draft take

In February, former NFL quarterback and current analyst Dan Orlovsky raised eyebrows when he suggested that Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson was responsible for "significantly more impressive" game film than that produced by Indiana Hoosiers signal-caller Fernando Mendoza.

Orlovsky seemingly is on an island regarding this take, as just about every analyst has said that the Las Vegas Raiders will be choosing correctly when they make Mendoza the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. During Tuesday's edition of ESPN's "Get Up" program, Orlovsky addressed the perceived "gap" that separates Mendoza and Simpson in the eyes of experts. 

Is the perceived Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson "gap" justified?

"I would not say the gap is justified," Orlovsky explained. "...If we're being honest and watching the types of throws that were made, I would say that Ty Simpson attempted and completed more big-time NFL-style of throws than Mendoza."

In his latest mock draft posted hours before Orlovsky's latest comments, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. said that linking Mendoza with the Raiders at selection No. 1 "is just a formality at this point." Talk about the Raiders possibly trading what will become known as the Mendoza pick to the Baltimore Ravens for star quarterback Lamar Jackson has all but disappeared, even though the Ravens seemingly aren't close to signing Jackson to a contract extension this offseason. 

Meanwhile, Kiper currently has Simpson going to the New York Jets at pick No. 16. 

Is Fernando Mendoza not all that much better than Ty Simpson?

"He's got a chance to be a good quarterback, really good quarterback in the NFL," Orlovsky added about Mendoza. "I don't want people to twist my words. Because they do and say, 'Dan Orlovsky doesn't like Mendoza.' The point, for me, is I believe Ty Simpson is closer to Mendoza than people are kind of claiming him to be."

Recent whispers have emerged hinting that Simpson could slide all the way out of the first round of this year's draft. Eventually, some team will take a flier on him with the hope that Orlovsky is correct in his assessments of the polarizing prospect.