The New York Jets are still months away from being officially on the clock in the 2026 NFL Draft, but quarterback conversations continue to happen. With uncertainty centered around the long-term plan at the position, it’s not surprising that many are still stating that the Jets will go with a quarterback despite unlikely having a chance to draft Fernando Mendoza.
One name that continues to pop up is Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Once viewed as a potential top-five pick early in the season, Simpson’s draft stock dropped as Alabama’s offense struggled throughout the last month or so of the season.
Among the voices linking him to New York is ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., who believes the Jets could be a logical landing spot.
“He's 23-years of age. His father's a coach. Nick Saban's there with him, advising him. He had heard first round,” said Kiper, per Stephen Douglas.
“You think about Ty Simpson, he could have been top five if he would have continued through. Offensive line let him down. Brian Williams didn't have the year he expected. He had no running game! Ty Simpson obviously goes to a team that can they screw it up, can they affect... hey, let him sit a little bit. He's only got 15 starts. But again, put a little weight on that frame. This kid's so competitive he won't let a play die. He fights to the bitter end a little too much. He'll figure that out. Ty Simpson, like I said at this point it's 16. We were talking top five back in October. I think it would make sense for the New York Jets or the Steelers, or the Rams, late first round."
Simpson fits the profile of a developmental quarterback, as he has physical tools, and a chance to get better, but is still raw and would take a bit to be the guy.
The Jets might not be drafting Simpson to start immediately if it happened. In fact, Kiper’s assessment leans heavily toward letting him sit, learn and improve before playing, but there are a lot of questions on whether that would even be the smart idea.
The Jets’ recent history has shown how poor they are at developing a quarterback and drafting Simpson would require a clear plan to figure that out.