The New York Jets have been closely linked to Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson ever since Dante Moore decided to stay at Oregon. With Simpson's Pro Day now behind us, the debate rages on about his chances of being a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
ESPN's Matt Miller gives Simpson a 25% chance of being selected in the first round, pointing out that the early part of the draft doesn't feature many teams willing to take a gamble on him. The idea of giving up 2027 picks to move up for him in the latter half also seems risky.
On the flip side, Jordan Reid sees a 75% chance for Simpson, emphasizing the lack of quarterback depth in this year's class. Reid notes that there aren't any obvious landing spots in the first 16 picks, including the Jets' two selections.
Field Yates is even more bullish, putting Simpson's first-round odds at 90%. Yates believes the demand for quarterbacks is too high for a talent like Simpson to slip into the second round.
Jets fans are buzzing with the possibility of nabbing Simpson if he falls to the second round, potentially using their No. 33 or No. 44 picks. However, many believe the Jets might need to use their No. 16 pick to secure him, especially with quarterback-hungry teams like the Steelers and Browns picking at No. 21 and No. 24, respectively. There's also talk of the Arizona Cardinals possibly trading back into the first round for Simpson.
Simpson is a bit of an enigma for the Jets. While his limited starting experience and average physical traits raise some eyebrows, his impressive arm talent, pre-snap intelligence, and accuracy under pressure make him a compelling option.
The Jets face a tough decision: wait until the 2027 draft for a quarterback or take a bold step with Simpson now. The conversation around him isn't going away, and the Jets may decide that he's worth the gamble.