Ty Simpson Slide Predicted by Mel Kiper, ESPN in New NFL Mock Draft After 2026 Alabama Pro Day

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson wasn't a Day 1 pick when a panel of ESPN experts convened to project the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL draft.

Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid and Field Yates all passed on Simpson in the first round. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza was the only quarterback to come off the board in that range.

Kiper led off the second round by sending Simpson to the New York Jets.

"There isn't as much risk in taking Simpson — who had just 15 career starts, all in 2025 — in Round 2," he wrote. "The Jets can roll Geno Smith out and let Simpson develop a bit. I like his pocket presence and accuracy, but he will need some time."

Simpson is garnering interest across the league. The Jets met him for dinner and held a private workout, and he has reportedly scheduled additional visits with the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins.

What's less clear is how many teams deem the Crimson Tide star worthy of a first-round pick.

Simpson started just one full season in Tuscaloosa and didn't go above and beyond during that time. He finished with 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions in 15 appearances.

The back end of the first round or early second round is a reasonable range for Simpson based on his draft evaluations. He's the No. 26 overall player on Bleacher Report's big board.

The quarterback premium could help boost him up on draft day. The dearth of talent behind him doesn't hurt his stock, either. LSU's Garrett Nussmeier (No. 51) is the only other QB in the top 100 of the B/R big board.

Taking a player in the first round has the added benefit of an extra season of team control. First-rounders have a club option in the fifth year of their rookie contracts, while everyone else is signed for only four years.

All of that could combine to make Simpson a Day 1 selection on April 23.