Powered by Roundtable

Here is why the New York Jets should take Ty Simpson.

"With the 16th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select Ty Simpson, quarterback from Alabama."

This is what Roger Goodell will say on draft day if NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter's latest mock comes to fruition. 

"Simpson's inconsistency during his only year as a starter in college is well-documented," Reuter wrote. "However, the Jets might as well take a chance on addressing their need for a long-term answer at quarterback. They can still find good value at other positions with four of the top 50 picks, including Nos. 33 and No. 44 overall in Round 2."

For Alabama last season, Simpson put up 3,567 passing yards and 28 passing touchdowns. He completed 64.5% of his passes. 

Simpson finished his college career with 3,948 passing yards and 28 passing touchdowns. If the Jets take him at No. 16, he can sit behind Geno Smith and then play toward the end of the 2026 season once New York gets eliminated from the playoffs.  

Smith enters next season with 22,168 passing yards, 124 passing touchdowns and 89 career interceptions in the NFL. His starting record is 42-56-0. The Jets are in deep rebuild mode. They will likely have a terrible record again next season, paving the way for Simpson to play early in his NFL career. 

In his first stint with the Jets, Smith went 12-18 as a starter. He threw for 5,962 yards, 28 touchdowns and 36 interceptions

It will be fascinating to see who the Jets take with the second and 16th pick. If Simpson is there at 16, New York should strike. 

The Jets have the second pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They have been linked to David Bailey and Arvell Reese.

Jets Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Jets. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.