Ty Simpson Says He's 'Absolutely' 2026 NFL Draft 1st-Round Pick, 'I've Done Everything I Can'

Amid the ongoing debate about Ty Simpson's draft profile, the Alabama quarterback has no doubt that he should be a first-round pick.

Speaking to reporters after Alabama's pro day, Simpson said he "absolutely" should be selected on day one of the 2026 NFL draft:

"I feel like I've done everything I can, but it's not up to me. I just know that wherever I go, I'm going to give it my all and make sure I'll put my best foot forward. There's going to be a lot of questions around my name. I know what I'm capable of, and I know whoever gets me is going to get a good player and a guy who loves football and a guy who loves the team and loves being a part of something bigger than himself."

Mendoza also spoke to reporters about his impact on a team and the players around him.

"When I go into a program, I'm program-changing," Simpson said. "I don't just make myself better, I make other people better. If you draft me, and you want me to be your franchise quarterback, I'm not just coming in to look after myself. I'm looking after the whole team and making sure I leave it better than I left it."

Even though Fernando Mendoza is the overwhelming favorite to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, Simpson's stock seems to be improving throughout the pre-draft process that he could end up going in the first round.

B/R's NFL scouting department didn't include Simpson among the first 32 picks in its most recent mock draft released on March 19.

However, B/R's big board has Simpson as a late-first-round talent as the No. 26 overall prospect.

On Thursday's episode of Get Up, ESPN's Adam Schefter said the consensus among NFL teams is that Simpson is the No. 2 quarterback in the class.

The issue with a quarterback not at the very top of the class is trying to find a fit. Simpson is scheduled to have a private workout with the New York Jets on Friday, per ESPN's Field Yates.

Simpson has already had a visit with officials from the Jets and Los Angeles Rams. The Jets would seem unlikely to take him at No. 2 overall, but they also own the 16th pick.

The Rams have a selection at No. 13 and could start thinking about a succession plan for Matthew Stafford, but they are also looking to put the finishing touches on a roster more than capable of competing for a Super Bowl in 2026 after getting so close to winning a championship last season.

Another quarterback-needy team is the Cleveland Browns, who have two first-round picks at No. 6 and 24.

There are also teams picking early in the second round, including the Jets (No. 33) and Arizona Cardinals (No. 34), that could attempt to trade into the back of the first round for Simpson if he is still on the board late in day one.

A first round with only one quarterback selected is incredibly rare. The only time it has happened in the previous 12 drafts was 2022 when Kenny Pickett was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 22nd pick.

Mendoza seems like the only surefire first-round quarterback prospect in this class, but Simpson appears to be rising up the ranks as teams continue to evaluate the position.