The search for late-round quarterback value is one of the more unpredictable parts of every NFL Draft cycle. While early-round passers dominate headlines, it is often Day 3 prospects who quietly carve out long careers as backups or spot starters.
On the latest episode of PFSN’s “Football Debate Club,” that idea took center stage, as analysts identified two under-the-radar quarterbacks from the 2026 NFL Draft who could significantly outperform their draft position.
Illinois QB Luke Altmyer’s Projected NFL Draft Value
UConn’s Joe Fagnano’s appeal is rooted in efficiency and experience; Luke Altmyer offers a different kind of projection. The former Illinois starter lacks standout traits, but his well-rounded game and steady play style could help him carve out a long NFL career.
That is exactly how 32BeatWriters lead NFL draft analyst TJ Wengert sees it, projecting Altmyer as the kind of quarterback who quietly sticks in the league for years.
“This is a potentially unpopular route to take this because there’s a lot of mystery box guys, Cole Payton, Taylen Greene, Drew Allar. He’s going to be the guy that you look up a decade from now, you’re going to be like, ‘Oh God, yeah, that Luke Altmyer, look at him still hanging around the league. Very C.J. Beathard, very Nick Mullins. I think we’re talking capable backup, fine spot starter.”
Altmyer’s production supports that outlook. He finished the 2025 season with over 3,000 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions while completing 67% of his passes. His PFSN CFB QB Impact Metric grade of B (85.6), which ranked No. 24 overall, reflects a player who consistently did his job without taking unnecessary risks. He finished his college career with 74 touchdowns from scrimmage.
He may not have elite arm strength or dynamic athleticism, but Altmyer shows strong pre-snap recognition, solid accuracy, and dependable pocket management. Those traits often translate well to the backup role, where minimizing mistakes is just as important as making big plays.
Why UConn QB Joe Fagnano Is a 2026 NFL Draft Sleeper
Fagnano’s path to the NFL is anything but traditional, but it is exactly what makes him an intriguing Day 3 option. A former walk-on at Maine who developed into a multi-year starter before transferring to UConn, Fagnano enters the draft as a seasoned, mature quarterback with a track record of production and efficiency.
That profile stood out to PFSN draft expert Ian Cummings, who pointed to Fagnano’s numbers as a major reason he could stick at the next level.
“I think he’s a guy that doesn’t barely get he barely gets talked about, but his efficiency as a starter in 2025, you’re looking at a 28 to 1 TD interception ratio, 86.6 QB Impact Score at PFSN, and then generated 0.52 EPA per drop back on clean drop backs.
“He’s got the prototypical frame. He’s got the decision-making. He’s got the processing of a decent arm talent. I liken him a little bit to Tommy DeVito. Tommy DeVito was not heralded coming out, but he’s carved out a career as a solid backup. Joe Fagnano fits the bill.”
The comparison to Tommy DeVito is telling. Fagnano does not rely on elite physical traits but instead wins with timing, anticipation, and decision-making. At 6-foot-3, 223 pounds, he brings adequate size and arm talent, but his real value lies in how he operates within structure.
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
After overcoming a shoulder injury in 2023, Fagnano returned to post a standout 2025 season, throwing for 3,448 yards with 28 touchdowns and just one interception while completing nearly 70% of his passes. That level of ball security, paired with his experience, gives him a strong foundation as a developmental backup who can be trusted in short stretches.
In a draft class without clear high-end quarterback depth, players like Fagnano and Altmyer highlight the value of stability and efficiency. They may not hear their names early, but their skill sets suggest they could stick around long after more hyped prospects fade out.
