The Ty Simpson Trait NFL Teams Reportedly 'Love' Revealed After Alabama Pro Day Before 2026 Draft

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson impressed during his pro day workout on Wednesday, but it sounds like NFL teams are more enamored with his mental makeup than his passing skills.

The Athletic's Jeff Howe reported that teams considering selecting Simpson in the 2026 NFL draft next month have been blown away by what he brings to the game that doesn't show up on the stat sheet.

"Teams absolutely love Simpson's intangible qualities," Howe stated. "He processes the game at an extremely high level, wins before the snap, makes good decisions and has been a well-respected leader. His work ethic and mental acumen are already such a strength that people believe Simpson could coach after his playing career."

B/R's NFL Scouting Department ranked Simpson as the No. 2 quarterback in its draft big board and predicted that the Los Angeles Rams would select him with the No. 29 pick in its mock draft. Howe reported that many teams "have a second-round grade on Simpson, though more skeptical evaluators see him as a third-rounder." However, it was noted that "most predict Simpson will be selected in the first round," though "no one will guarantee it."

According to Howe, "NFL evaluators agreed Simpson was playing the best among the draft-eligible quarterbacks" early in the 2025 season before his play "tapered off in the second half of the year" while he was dealing with a back injury and elbow bursitis. Some teams are reportedly "concerned about the 6-foot-1, 211-pounder's durability."

There are also questions about Simpson's lack of experience, as he spent just one year as a full-time starter and is leaving college with just 15 career starts. Howe noted that it is "widely believed it will be in his best interest to begin his career as a backup — and not just for the opening stretch of games."

Still, there's optimism that Simpson can have a productive career in the NFL. He's reportedly drawn comparisons to San Francisco 49ers starter Brock Purdy and Denver Broncos starter Bo Nix, with Howe noting that he "could be tremendous in a Sean McVay or Kyle Shanahan West Coast offense because of his processing, footwork and decision-making."