By Noah Zollin
Alonzo Adams / Associated Press
2026 Draft Profile: Ty Simpson - QB - Alabama
Round Projection: 1st - 2nd Round
Potential Fits: Jets, Cardinals, Steelers, Rams
Round Projection: 1st - 2nd Round
Potential Fits: Jets, Cardinals, Steelers, Rams
Ty Simpson enters this year's draft ranked as the third-best quarterback, but after Dante Moore’s decision to return to school, he is now clearly behind only Mendoza. Simpson just finished a season with 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions, leading Alabama
to a playoff win before a Rose Bowl loss. Simpson’s year featured inconsistency; he alternated between NFL-caliber performances and questionable choices that raised doubts about whether he should remain at Alabama another season.
Simpson’s strength is his accuracy, which, in my view, is narrowly behind Mendoza’s and firmly NFL-ready. The main concerns are his decision-making and, at times, uncertain arm strength. Occasionally, it’s difficult to predict what version of Simpson you’ll see, yet his high-ceiling potential is unmistakable. This unpredictability makes Simpson an ideal candidate to spend a year on the bench, develop under a veteran, and correct minor mistakes.
A team like the Rams would suit Simpson well, allowing him to learn from Matthew Stafford and potentially become McVay’s next prized quarterback. However, with a thin draft class and Moore staying in school, I could see a quarterback-needy franchise—like the Jets or Cardinals—reaching for Simpson, hoping he solves their QB problems. I assign Simpson a second-round grade and believe his accuracy will help him carve out a solid NFL future.