A quarterback's surprising draft stock surge ignites debate. Alabama's Ty Simpson's confident declaration challenges projections for the 2026 NFL Draft.
A minor controversy of sorts has started in March before the 2026 NFL Draft.
In January, it appeared to be a forgone conclusion that Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza would be the No. 1 pick in the draft and would be picked by the Las Vegas Raiders.
ESPN's Dan Orlovsky has tried to insert a narrative that other teams in the league believe Alabama's Ty Simpson could be the better quarterback in the draft.
While the Raiders are expected to change their mind on Mendoza to choose the quarterback that was sidelined in a 38-3 loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl, Simpson could be drafted on Day 1.
That's a pretty significant rise for Simpson, who was thought to be more of a Day 2 pick after the loss in the CFP.
The Alabama quarterback recently participated in the Crimson Tide's pro day and had a solid showing.
Simpson believes he should be taken in the first round of April's draft.
"Absolutely," Simpson said, via ESPN. "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."
Simpson was basically Alabama's entire offense last season. He had no running game to help him. Still, the Crimson Tide made the SEC championship and won a CFP game over Oklahoma in the first round.
The quarterback prospect believes he can elevate an NFL team like he did with Alabama last year.
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."
It remains to be seen if Alabama will be better in 2026 than they were with Simpson last season.
The Crimson Tide will need their players to find another gear if they hope to return to the SEC championship and CFP.