Who holds the most influential voice in the Jets' decision-making process for the upcoming NFL draft? Is it head coach Aaron Glenn, who seemed to have the final say when he was brought on board a year ago?
Or maybe it's general manager Darren Mougey, whose reputation continues to soar? Let's not forget the newly appointed offensive coordinator Frank Reich, with quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave also in the mix.
Regardless of who ultimately calls the shots, the New York Jets' leadership team is all in on evaluating their quarterback options for the 2026 draft. Glenn, Mougey, Reich, and Musgrave were all present at Alabama's pro day to get an up-close look at quarterback prospect Ty Simpson.
After initially meeting Simpson at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, the Jets have dedicated significant time to assessing his potential. Simpson has been making waves, and the Jets are keenly interested. According to longtime ESPN Jets beat writer Rich Cimini, the entire Jets crew attended the pro day and even had dinner with Simpson to get to know him better on a personal level.
With three first-round picks in the next year's draft, the Jets are not feeling pressured to select a quarterback this year. They're keeping their options open, and a private workout with Simpson is on the horizon.
Interestingly, Cimini also shared that the Jets tested Simpson’s memory. They provided him with information, likely a play sheet, and the next morning quizzed him on it, putting his retention skills to the test on the whiteboard.
Simpson, at 23, was once considered the top quarterback prospect of this draft class. Midway through the 2025 college season, he was leading the pack ahead of Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. However, Mendoza's strong finish catapulted him to the top, with expectations that the Las Vegas Raiders will select him first overall.
The Jets are widely expected to draft Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese with the second pick, but their plans for the 16th pick remain a mystery. After this past week, speculation is growing that Ty Simpson might be their target.