How High Did Ty Simpson Go in Mel Kiper's New 2026 NFL Mock Draft amid Latest Rumors, Jets Buzz?

In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft released on Tuesday, ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. projected Alabama's Ty Simpson to be the second and final quarterback off the board in the first round.

Kiper predicted Simpson to go 16th overall to the New York Jets, following Indiana's Fernando Mendoza going first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.

The top 10 selections in Kiper's newest mock are as follows:

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
6. Cleveland Browns: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

After taking pass-rusher David Bailey with their first pick of the first round at No. 2 overall, Kiper has the Jets addressing another huge area of need under center.

The Jets got their second first-round pick as a result of trading cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts, and it could potentially help them land the second-best prospect at a premium position.

Simpson, 23, played four seasons at Alabama, although he was only the starter for one.

After biding his time, Simpson was elevated to QB1 in 2025, and he delivered by going 11-4 and completing 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

Ty Simpson Best Plays

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Meanwhile, the Jets are coming off a 3-14 campaign and their 15th consecutive season outside the playoffs.

Quarterback play contributed heavily to their struggles last season, as Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook combined to throw 14 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions.

Taylor is a free agent and Fields was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. They were replaced by veteran Geno Smith, who the Jets acquired in a trade with the Raiders.

Even if the plan is for Smith to start in 2026, the Jets could still use a quarterback to develop behind him, and Simpson would be perfect for that role.

In its latest mock draft, the BR NFL Scouting Department projected Simpson to go 29th overall to the Los Angeles Rams, which suggests there is a decent chance he will be there when the Jets pick at No. 16, and they could potentially even trade down a bit and still get him.