As we gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft, set to unfold from April 23 to 25 in the vibrant city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the anticipation is palpable. This marks the first time since 1948 that Pittsburgh will host the draft, and the city is ready to roll out the red carpet around Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park for this historic event. With 257 picks up for grabs, every NFL team is poised to make strategic moves that could shape their future.
The draft order, as tradition dictates, gives the teams with the roughest seasons the first crack at the top talent, while the Seattle Seahawks, fresh off their Super Bowl victory, will pick last in the first round.
Turning our gaze to the New York Jets, they've recently acquired veteran quarterback Geno Smith in a trade with the Raiders. However, with Smith approaching the twilight of his career, the Jets are already looking ahead. Enter Ty Simpson from Alabama, a potential No. 17 pick via the Indianapolis Colts, as projected by Fox Sports' lead college football analyst, Joel Klatt.
Klatt underscores the importance of planning for the future, suggesting that the Jets shouldn't rest easy with Smith alone. Simpson, despite only starting for one season in college, has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in high-stakes games against Georgia and Oklahoma. While his size isn't a concern, his limited experience means he won't need to be thrust into the spotlight immediately, thanks to Smith's presence.
Simpson's draft profile paints a picture of a quarterback with promising processing skills and decision-making abilities, though his timing and anticipation need refinement. His arm talent and velocity are considered average, which could impact his effectiveness. However, his consistent approach suggests that with more playtime, these inconsistencies in ball placement can be ironed out.
The key for Simpson will be development. As his profile notes, "One-year starters rarely 'boom,'" so he'll require a patient coaching staff and a well-defined developmental plan to help him reach his full potential. The Jets, with their eyes on the future, might just be the perfect fit for this promising talent.