Ty Simpson — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Simpson trailed off over the latter portion of the season, but there were more than enough flashes in 2025 to warrant consideration in this spot.

Simpson doesn't have a Round 1 grade on my board, and I couldn't find a single team that would give him one during conversations at the Senior Bowl. But with four picks in the first two rounds, the Jets can afford to roll the dice on him as a second-rounder with starter upside. Simpson's lack of size and arm strength could ultimately push him down the board, but his poise and processing skills are NFL-level.

Simpson is a big-armed pocket passer who plays with composure and outstanding mental processing both before and after the snap. He plays with an aggressive confidence and excels at navigating muddy pockets, throwing accurately on short and intermediate routes, and ripping tight-window throws with anticipation -- though he has been historically inconsistent on deep balls. Simpson is athletic enough to buy time with his legs to extend plays and move the sticks.

It's hard to get a read on where Simpson will go in this draft. He was one of the best quarterbacks in the country through the first five or six games of the 2025 season, but then he struggled down the stretch, especially under pressure (47.7 PFF passing grade). But he was also the best middle-of-the-field passer in the class. He made protection calls and was a full-progression-read type of quarterback. The NFL will see that football IQ and likely value it highly. If the Steelers still need a top quarterback option by the time the draft rolls around, Simpson could be an option.

This is a bit higher than where the Giants selected Jaxson Dart last year, but the idea would be similar.

Simpson has high-level potential as a processor plus arm talent and legit athleticism. His level of experience is incredibly low for a potential first-round QB, though, so a complete scouting effort will be necessary.

Simpson was a starter for just one season at Alabama. Still, despite his limited experience, the QB could intrigue Sean McVay as a potential successor to Matthew Stafford. As a mobile playmaker, Simpson fits the Baker Mayfield mold, which has worked within this Rams system.