Where Ty Simpson Reportedly Expects to Be Selected In 2026 NFL Draft amid Landing Spot Rumors

As one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2026 NFL draft, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has a wide range of potential landing spots when the event begins on April 23.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Simpson is "loosely" expecting to be drafted anywhere between picks 10 through 30 in the first round.

Fowler did note it's hard to "confidently" project a landing spot for Simpson, and there are "enough scouts" that have a second-round grade on him into Day 2.

If you start at pick 10 and run down the list, there aren't many quarterback-needy teams that stand out for a while. The Cincinnati Bengals at No. 10 aren't going to go for a quarterback.

The Miami Dolphins at No. 11 theoretically could take a shot on Simpson, but that would feel like a reach for a team just starting a rebuild who gave Malik Willis a nice contract in free agency.

After Miami's selection, the next four picks belong to the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From that group, the Rams and Buccaneers could be options given their long-term uncertainty at quarterback. Matthew Stafford has teased retirement multiple times in recent years, though he acted quickly to make sure everyone knew he was returning to the Rams in 2026 by announcing it when he won the NFL MVP award.

Baker Mayfield is entering the final year of his current contract with the Bucs. The two sides are expected to discuss a new deal this offseason, but Simpson would offer them an opportunity to reset if they want to go that route.

The Dolphins, New York Jets and Cleveland Browns are two teams that have multiple first-round picks if they want to use one on a quarterback. The only other quarterback-needy team in that area of the first round is the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21.

All indications at this point are that Aaron Rodgers will return to the Steelers for next season, but they still need to figure out a long-term answer at the position. Simpson could sit behind Rodgers for a year if Pittsburgh wants to go in that direction.

The Jets and Arizona Cardinals own the top two picks in the second round if either wants to wait, but there is value in trading back into the first round for a quarterback to get the fifth-year option on the rookie contract.

B/R's NFL scouting department projected the Cardinals to trade up with the Buffalo Bills for the No. 26 pick to select Simpson.

Despite spending four years at Alabama, Simpson only started 15 games after becoming the No. 1 quarterback in 2025. He threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions.