Ty Simpson, the quarterback prospect out of the University of Alabama, is generating significant buzz as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. Analysts are increasingly confident that Simpson is a first-round talent, and the New York Jets are among the teams taking a close look.
The Jets recently held an exclusive workout with Simpson. General Manager Darren Mougey shared insights from the visit during the NFL's annual meetings, highlighting a dinner and a workout session with Simpson. Mougey addressed a key concern: Simpson's limited college experience, with just 15 starts under his belt.
Mougey emphasized the importance of having a substantial sample size when evaluating prospects but noted the impressive elements present in Simpson’s limited game footage. His comments suggest the Jets are weighing their options carefully.
"It was a good visit with Ty,” Mougey said. "We want the biggest sample size we can. But there’s a lot of good things to see in the games he did play."
This statement is particularly intriguing given the time of year, often referred to as "smokescreen season" in the NFL, where teams may not fully reveal their draft intentions. However, Mougey's focus on sample size is noteworthy for a prospect like Simpson.
Historically, quarterbacks with just one full season as a starter in college face challenges transitioning to the NFL. Simpson's performance during his lone season as Alabama’s QB1 was a rollercoaster.
He started strong but struggled with consistency as the season progressed. Factors such as injuries, the performance of his supporting cast, or natural fluctuations in play could have contributed to this inconsistency.
Regardless, teams are left with limited data as they make critical draft decisions.
Given these considerations, it seems unlikely that the Jets will select Simpson in the first round. Instead, New York may opt to use their first-round picks to bolster other areas of their roster or trade for additional picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. The Jets' strategy will be crucial as they aim to build a competitive team for the future.