Mel Kiper Jr. Lists Alabama QB Ty Simpson Among 2026 NFL Draft Steals in Video

ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. called Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson one of his draft steals during the latest episode of First Draft with ESPN's Field Yates.

Simpson is listed 25th overall (second on the QB list) on Kiper's latest big board.

Among other comments, Kiper said that Simpson "fights hard" and that sees him as a "more athletic" version of San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones, who did well in eight starts in place of injured QB1 Brock Purdy this year.

Kiper did acknowledge some turnover issues and that Simpson doesn't have "the elite traits." He also mentioned the lack of starting experience (15 starts) but noted that he's appeared in 15 other games over his four-year career in school. Kiper added the "arm strength is good enough" but acknowledged he's "a little inconsistent at times in games."

Still, Kiper is impressed with Simpson, saying in part: "He comes through in the clutch, he's a tough, gritty competitor. He's smart, he throws with anticipation, he can move, he can get you first downs on third down with his legs..."

KIper mentioned a few potential landing spots, including 16th to the New York Jets, 21st to the Pittsburgh Steelers and 29th to the Los Angeles Rams.

Simpson is currently ranked 28th overall and second among quarterbacks in the latest 2026 NFL Draft big board from the B/R NFL Scouting Department. Dame Parson gave Simpson a pro comparison to former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo in his scouting report.

Simpson, who declared for the draft on Jan. 7, played one season as a starter at Alabama in 2025. He fared well, though, completing 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,567 yards (7.5 yards per attempt), 28 touchdowns and five interceptions. Simpson also rushed for a pair of scores.

He's the leader in the clubhouse right now to be QB2 off the board, with Indiana signal-caller and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza the overwhelming favorite to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.

We'll see what happens soon enough when the draft begins on April 23 from Pittsburgh.