The New York Jets are gearing up for a pivotal moment in their search for a franchise quarterback, as they prepare for a private workout with Alabama's Ty Simpson. This exclusive session, set for Friday, offers the Jets a closer look at Simpson's skills as they consider their options in the upcoming NFL draft.
Head coach Aaron Glenn is on the hunt for a quarterback who can lead the team into the future. After trading Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs and reacquiring Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders, the Jets still find themselves in need of a long-term solution. At 35, Smith isn't the answer for the future, leaving Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe as the only other quarterbacks on the roster.
With the No. 2 and No. 16 picks in the first round, the Jets have a prime opportunity to draft top-tier talent. While Simpson isn't projected to go as high as the No. 2 pick, he could be a smart choice for the Jets later in the first round. There's also buzz about the possibility of the Jets trading their No. 33 and No. 44 second-round picks to secure another first-round selection and potentially grab Simpson.
Simpson recently showcased his abilities at Alabama's pro day, impressing NFL scouts with his performance. He's widely viewed as the second-best quarterback in this year's draft class, trailing only Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be picked first by Tom Brady's Las Vegas Raiders.
Interestingly, Glenn and Jets general manager Darren Mougey were absent from Simpson's pro day, choosing instead to scout talent at Ohio State. Despite this, Simpson's college stats-3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions in his lone season as a starter-make him an intriguing prospect for the Jets.
As the draft approaches, the Jets' decision-making will be crucial in shaping their future, and Ty Simpson could very well be a significant piece of that puzzle.