The ongoing discussion about how NFL teams evaluate quarterback prospects has intensified after standout performances from Notre Dame's CJ Carr and Miami's Darian Mensah. Both quarterbacks lack the elite physical tools often coveted by scouts, yet their accuracy, anticipation, and processing ability have drawn comparisons to Brock Purdy, the 2022 Mr. Irrelevant who became a successful NFL starter.
Carr's Surgical Two-Minute Drive
Carr showcased his poise running Notre Dame's two-minute offense against Miami, completing a series of precise throws that culminated in an 18-yard touchdown pass to Micah Gilbert, giving the Fighting Irish a 17-3 halftime lead. His calm demeanor, quick decision-making, and ability to avoid pressure while keeping eyes downfield exemplified the traits that can translate to the professional level despite an average arm.
Mensah's Resilience and Efficiency
Mensah, after a difficult first half under heavy pressure, rallied Miami with a series of anticipation throws, including a back-shoulder completion that brought the Hurricanes within seven points. He finished the season with a 77.4% completion rate, 10.3 yards per attempt, 25 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. When throwing in rhythm, his numbers rise to 83.1% completion and 11.4 yards per attempt, among the best in college football.
Pressure Performance Comparison
Advanced metrics highlight how both quarterbacks handle pressure better than many peers. Through Week 9, Mensah faced 44 pressures, averaging 9.0 yards per attempt with only one turnover-worthy play (2.3%). Carr faced 30 pressures, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt with one turnover-worthy play (3.3%). In contrast, Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker had seven turnover-worthy plays in 54 pressures (13.0%). Carr has also dramatically improved his sack rate under pressure from nearly 21% a year ago to 6.7% this season, while his completion percentage under pressure jumped from 26.1% to 51.9%.
Deep Ball and Scheme Context
Carr has been more aggressive downfield, with nearly a quarter of his passes traveling 20-plus yards, yielding eight touchdowns and one turnover-worthy play. Mensah completes 58.1% of his deep attempts versus Carr's 37%, but benefits from a scheme that generates easy completions; 25% of his throws come behind the line of scrimmage, producing 553 yards. Both quarterbacks have made significant strides since August, when Mensah graded 39.4 on the FRED model (nearing the first-round threshold of 50) and Carr scored 10.6 due to limited starting experience.
The performances raise a broader question for NFL evaluators: whether the league has been too quick to forgive physical prototypes with inconsistent processing, and too slow to value quarterbacks who consistently win with anticipation, accuracy, and decision-making. As the 2027 draft class takes shape, Carr and Mensah are making compelling cases that they belong in the first-round conversation alongside more heralded names like Arch Manning and LaNorris Sellers.
