Quarterback Ty Simpson led the Alabama Crimson Tide to the Rose Bowl in 2025, where his side was ultimately beaten 38-3 by Fernando Mendoza’s Indiana Hoosiers.
Despite that crushing blowout, Simpson’s stock remains high ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns for Alabama last year and now stands as one of the most promising quarterback prospects in this year’s class.
Much of his output came early in the 2025 campaign – injury issues plagued Simpson throughout the second half of the year, including a gastritis setback. At one point, his total bodyweight fell below 200lbs.
The Westview High School graduate threw just six touchdowns across his team’s final five games. In the same period, he saw three passes intercepted.
And now, four weeks out from draft weekend in Pittsburgh, one prominent NFL insider is wary of forecasting Simpson’s draft position.
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Speaking on ESPN’s “Get Up” morning show, Adam Schefter outlined his own doubts about making a definitive prediction as to where the Crimson Tide quarterback might be picked.
In particular, Schefter highlighted Shedeur Sanders’ being taken by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders had been projected as a first-round pick.
“I think it’s hard to project quarterbacks a month out,” explained Schefter. “If we were talking last year at this time, we would’ve projected Shedeur Sanders as a top-ten pick. And we all know what happened last year.”
Several factors contributed to Sanders’ draft position, with reports citing behaviour concerns and poor interview performance. Shedeur’s father, Deion Sanders, was another consideration for front office staff. Fears of unnecessary off-field baggage were rife.
No comparable issues have been reported by those following Simpson.
Still, in light of Schefter’s experience during the Sanders saga, he is now “hesitant to commit on any quarterbacks” and their draft position for the foreseeable future.
Although tentative to put forward a prediction, the ESPN reporter did state that there exists a general agreement across the NFL that Simpson will be taken as the second quarterback pick of the draft.
“Right now, the consensus is Ty Simpson is number two,” said Schefter.
With that in mind, a key question beckons: which franchise would suit Simpson best?
The New York Jets are expected to welcome the 2023 SEC champion for talks and a private workout on Friday, March 27.
Should general manager Darren Mougey opt not to take Simpson at No. 16, Schefter posits whether the Cleveland Browns may enter the fold – where Simpson could replace or act as the understudy to the aforementioned Sanders.
“If the Jets don’t take him at 16, do the Browns take him at 24?” asked Schefter.
The 59-year-old NFL journalist also pondered possibilities for the young quarterback at the Miami Dolphins – who recently parted ways with Tua Tagovailoa – at No. 30.
An alternative outcome could see teams trade into the first round to battle for Simpson. According to Schefter, that “may be the most likely scenario.”
The 2026 NFL Draft gets underway on April 23 – where the Tennessee native will soon discover his next home.
