When the NFL Scouting Combine rolls around each year, the chatter about quarterback hand size inevitably heats up. On the surface, it might seem trivial-after all, if a quarterback can sling the ball with precision, why should hand size matter?
Yet, this measurement persists, and for good reason. Take Ty Simpson, for example.
He fumbled seven times in 2025, losing five of those. While he didn't lead the FBS or Power 4 in fumbles, the numbers are concerning enough to put his ball control under the microscope.
It's a glaring issue on tape, and now NFL decision-makers in Indianapolis are left to ponder whether this can be addressed.
The spotlight is on Simpson's hand size at the NFL Scouting Combine. Ball security is something that can be honed, even at the pro level.
Simpson, a 6-foot-2 quarterback with a lean frame, has limited live reps since his high school days as a five-star recruit, with just 15 starts-all last season. His fumbles might hint at inexperience or potentially small hands.
In the NFL, nine inches is the benchmark for quarterback hand size. Anything less raises eyebrows.
While success is possible with smaller hands, it's a factor teams weigh carefully. Kenny Pickett, drafted by the Steelers in 2022, had hands measuring 8.5 inches and is now on his third team, the Las Vegas Raiders.
His journey underscores the challenges smaller-handed quarterbacks face, especially in bad weather.
Simpson's hands likely aren't as small as Pickett's, but any deviation from the league average could exacerbate his fumbling woes. This won't necessarily knock him out of first-round contention, but teams like the Steelers, picking at No. 21, might be wary.
The Los Angeles Rams, with two first-round picks, could be an ideal landing spot for Simpson. Playing in a climate-controlled SoFi Stadium and having Sean McVay's guidance could be significant advantages.
Ultimately, the question of hand size looms over Simpson. If his measurements fall short, it could validate concerns about his ball security. All eyes will be on his hand size when he steps up for measurements before his on-field workout at Lucas Oil Stadium.