As the dust settles from Senior Bowl week, NFL Draft boards are starting to take shape-and for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, the picture is a mixed bag. According to a recent mock draft, Simpson isn’t drawing first-round grades from any teams, but he’s still in the conversation as a potential Day 2 pick with intriguing upside.
Simpson’s stock right now is all about projection. Teams aren’t sold on him as a first-rounder, largely due to concerns about his size and arm strength.
Those are fair knocks in a league that increasingly values physical traits at the quarterback position. But don’t count him out just yet.
What Simpson lacks in raw tools, he makes up for with poise and processing-two traits that translate well to the next level, especially in a system that emphasizes timing and decision-making.
One mock draft has the New York Jets taking a swing on Simpson at No. 44 overall. With four picks in the first two rounds, the Jets are in a position to take a calculated risk.
They don’t need Simpson to start right away, which gives him time to develop behind a veteran and potentially grow into a starting role. It’s the kind of move that could pay dividends down the line, especially if Simpson’s mental game continues to outpace his physical limitations.
Interestingly, Simpson isn’t even the first Alabama player projected off the board in this mock. That honor goes to wide receiver Germie Bernard, who’s pegged to go 34th overall to the Arizona Cardinals.
Bernard is the kind of versatile, explosive weapon that modern offenses crave. He’s got the ability to line up anywhere-on the outside, in the slot, even in the backfield-and he brings serious juice after the catch.
Pairing him with Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. could give Arizona one of the more dynamic young receiving corps in the league.
Right behind Bernard at No. 35 is Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, projected to land with the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee already has a mountain of a tackle in JC Latham, and adding Proctor would double down on that physical identity.
Proctor’s early-season tape was shaky, but he finished strong-and that late-season surge has evaluators intrigued. He’s got the tools to be a long-term answer at left tackle, and for a Titans team looking to solidify the trenches, he makes a lot of sense.
So while Ty Simpson may not be hearing his name on night one of the draft, his story is far from written. He’s still very much in play as a developmental quarterback with starter potential. And with teammates like Bernard and Proctor climbing up draft boards, it’s clear Alabama’s pipeline to the NFL remains as strong as ever.