Could Alabama's Ty Simpson Be the Biggest Draft Steal of 2026?
Could Alabama's Ty Simpson Be the Biggest Draft Steal of 2026?
The draft stock of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has become one of the most contested narratives heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Following a productive 2025 season where he led the Crimson Tide to an 11-4 record and a College Football Playoff victory over Oklahoma, Simpson’s professional outlook is polarizing. While some analysts, including Mel Kiper Jr., view him as a lock for the top 15, others like ESPN’s Matt Miller have recently dropped him to the early second round, citing concerns over his late-season decision-making and a rib injury that hampered his performance in the Rose Bowl.
Despite the chatter, Simpson remained defiant during Alabama’s Pro Day on March 25, where he completed 50 of 55 passes during a grueling 40-minute session. Choosing to throw a complex NFL-style passing tree rather than a safe script, Simpson aimed to prove his elite arm strength and health to the dozens of scouts in attendance. "I feel like I've done everything I can," Simpson said after the workout. "If you draft me, and you want me to be your franchise quarterback, I'm not just coming in to look after myself. I'm looking after the whole team."
The 2025 Breakout
Simpson's rise in 2025 followed three years of patient development in Tuscaloosa. In his first full year as the starter, he showcased remarkable efficiency, completing 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns against only five interceptions. His ability to extend plays with his legs was a hallmark of the Crimson Tide’s offense, as he averaged six carries per game and tallied nearly 100 rushing yards. Early in the season, Simpson was widely considered the Heisman favorite and the potential No. 1 overall pick before an "underwhelming" second half—reportedly due to battling an undisclosed injury—cooled the hype.
NFL personnel remain intrigued by his "high-ceiling" potential. The New York Jets, who hold the No. 2 and No. 16 overall picks, have scheduled a private workout with Simpson for late March. Some scouts believe Simpson offers a safer alternative to other top passers because of his accuracy in clean pockets and his experience navigating the high-pressure SEC landscape. If he does slide to the second round, as Matt Miller’s latest Big Board suggests at No. 40 overall, he would represent a massive value for a team looking for a developmental starter.
Scouting the Ceiling
Scouts have noted that while Simpson may not have the same "Heisman hardware" as Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, his pro-style traits are undeniable. He possesses a quick, tidy release and has shown the ability to make every throw on the field. The discrepancy between his collegiate production and his current draft positioning often comes down to internal team grades versus media narratives. "I can't find one team that tells me they believe he will go in the first round," Miller noted on ESPN's Get Up, though he admitted that positional value could still push him into the top 32.
Regardless of where he lands, Simpson’s legacy at Alabama is secured. He bridged the gap in the post-Milroe era and returned the Tide to the playoff conversation. As he prepares for the draft in Pittsburgh this April, Simpson’s confidence remains his greatest asset. "When I go into a program, I'm program-changing," he asserted, a sentiment he hopes will resonate with NFL GMs in the coming weeks.
