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Former Alabama Crimson Tide QB Ty Simpson will be the second-ranked signal caller in the 2026 NFL Draft behind Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza, who has yet to declare, but many expect him to turn professional.
In a thin QB class, especially after the Oregon Ducks‘ Dante Moore opted to return to school, teams that need a signal-caller might turn to Simpson. In the latest mock drafts, Simpson has a first-round prediction.
On the Jan. 21 edition of “Get Up,” NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. projects that the former Crimson Tide standout will head to the New York Jets with the 16th overall pick.
“He’s 23 years of age,” Kiper Jr. said. “His father’s a coach. Nick Saban’s there advising him… [The Alabama] offensive line let him down. Ryan Williams didn’t have the year expected. He had no running game. OK? Ty Simpson obviously goes to a team that you say, Can they screw it up? Can they affect? Hey, let him sit for a little bit. He’s only got 15 starts.
“But again, put a little weight on that frame. This kid’s so competitive. He won’t let a play die. He fights to the bitter end a little too much. He’ll figure that out. Ty Simpson, like I said, at this point, at 16, we were talking top five back in October. I think it would make sense for the New York Jets, the Pittsburgh Steelers, or the Los Angeles Rams late first round.”
Ty Simpson to the New York Jets Makes Sense
Moreover, ESPN NFL analyst Peter Schrager also likes the Jets using one of their first-round picks on the ex-Alabama star because they can always look for a QB next offseason.
“I like it because you could take a swing this year, the second first-round pick you have, and you have so many picks that, ‘Hey, if he’s not the guy, you could draft another one next year, and you’re not bound to Ty Simpson,’” Schrager said on the same broadcast. “You took him 16th overall. I don’t think it’s a bad idea. Take one this year, and if he’s not great, take another one next year. You might as well keep swinging the bat.”
Steelers Are an Ideal Landing Spot for the Former Alabama QB
Simpson had a passer rating of 145.2 with 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 15 games this past season for Alabama, per StatMuse. As a result, in a Jan. 21 appearance on CBS Sports HQ, Mike Renner backs Simpson going to the Steelers at No. 21.
“When [Simpson] was fully healthy, you saw a guy with arm talent,” Renner said. “You saw a guy who was a good athlete. You saw a guy who was really crisp working within structure far, and beyond a guy who’s a first-year starter.
“I’m excited to see where he goes because I think if he gets in a good situation to develop where they can be patient with him, I think he can be very successful. If he has to start right away, he might take some lumps. I’m related to a lot of Steelers fans, so I pray for their mental well‑being that they get something figured out at the quarterback position.”
Eduardo Razo Eduardo Razo is a sports writer for Heavy.com, covering the NFL, MLB, and college football. He has previously covered the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB for NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area & California, and has freelanced for PSG Talk, covering Paris Saint-Germain. He also worked as an editor at Athlon Sports, focusing on MLB and the NFL. More about Eduardo Razo
