Ty Simpson — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

Even if 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers returns, the Steelers need to start thinking long-term at quarterback. A second-team All-SEC honoree, Simpson is the best quarterback in this class not named Fernando Mendoza.

Proposed trade: Cardinals move back into Round 1

With only two selections in the opening three rounds, Buffalo could move eight spots back to No. 34 and receive an extra third-round pick (No. 65) from the Cardinals. The Bills would also receive a 2027 third-round pick in the deal.

With a hat tip to my pal Jordan Reid -- the thought leader behind the Cardinals trading up for Simpson -- Arizona can execute its own version of what the Giants accomplished in 2025. New York landed edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3 before trading up to take quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25. After taking Arvell Reese up top, the Cardinals can land the clear-cut second-best quarterback in this class here.

Through the early part of the 2025 season, Simpson stood out with his ability to navigate the pocket and throw with accuracy and power when he can set his feet. With Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew on Arizona's depth chart, the team can bring Simpson along methodically. All 15 of his collegiate starts came this past season.

Are they sold on the guys they have? That's debatable, especially with a new coach. Simpson would be an interesting pick for the Browns.

The Jets don't have to draft a quarterback here. They traded for Geno Smith as a bridge option and have three first-round picks in 2027, when the QB class should be a lot better. But this is a good range for Simpson, who has only 15 career starts but throws with accuracy, processes quickly and moves well in the pocket. He threw 28 touchdown passes in 2025 and is a first-round QB in my book.

Simply put, New York has to take some swings to figure out the long-term solution under center. I could see the Jets drafting Simpson and letting him learn and develop a little behind Smith before he moves into the starter role.

The Jets got Geno Smith in a trade with the Raiders this past week. Let's be real, though, New York shouldn't be saying, "We're all set" at quarterback after that move. I can't get Simpson out of my head, either. My knock on Simpson isn't his size, because he can make throws outside the hashes and down the field, but that he only started for one season in college. However, with Smith in tow, Simpson doesn't need to start right away. He also played well in some big moments, like at Georgia and at Oklahoma this past season.