The NFL Draft season is heating up, and excitement is in the air.
With the NFL Scouting Combine wrapped up, teams are gearing up for private workouts and Top 30 visits as they finalize their preparations for next month’s draft. This is the time for teams to start pushing their agendas, flagging concerns, and crafting their narratives.
Essentially, it’s wise to take any news during this period with a healthy dose of skepticism.
So, who’s been making waves in the NFL Draft conversation lately? Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Despite Fernando Mendoza being viewed by many as the projected top quarterback, former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky has been vocal about Simpson’s case for being the true top QB on the boards.
This assertion has sparked backlash across media outlets. The Pat McAfee Show even raised questions about possible conflicts of interest. The debate over whether Simpson truly deserves the QB1 title—or at least be part of that conversation—will continue to develop. This kind of discourse is just part of the annual draft circus we see, especially surrounding quarterbacks. While timelines might change, the overall pattern remains the same.
Quarterbacks are often labeled as QB1 during the summer, only to be scrutinized later for potential replacements. It’s reminiscent of the early stages of a presidential election cycle: a frontrunner emerges, and the media, craving a competitive race, seeks out alternatives.
Returning to Simpson, teams have shown interest in aspects of his game. Orlovsky mentioned he’s reached out, and some teams are indeed leaning towards the idea of Simpson as their top quarterback choice. It will be interesting to see where the Las Vegas Raiders land on this in the coming weeks, but we have to shift our attention back to something else.
As these discussions evolve, news surfaced indicating that the New York Jets, with their second overall pick next month, are still on a quest for their future quarterback. They’ve invited Simpson for a private workout this Friday.
This certainly raises the question: Will the Jets select Simpson at No. 2?
Let’s explore some possibilities and check out the latest mock drafts.
The Jets May Target Simpson at No. 2
The news about private workouts caught quite a bit of attention.
So, is it conceivable that the Jets take Simpson at No. 2? It might be a viable option. Even with Geno Smith on the roster, the need for a long-term solution at quarterback remains critical, especially considering the trajectory of Smith’s career. If Simpson performs well and the Jets are impressed by his footage from Alabama, they might find him to be the answer they’ve been searching for.
However, it’s essential for them to be certain.
Remember, the Jets have several urgent needs beyond just the quarterback position. This is a defense that struggled mightily last season, with no interceptions prior to a game. They have gaps at multiple levels, and players like Reuben Bain Jr., David Bailey, Abel Reese, Sonny Stiles, and Caleb Downs could help fill those needs. [INSERT TALENTED DEFENDER HERE] addresses are necessary.
While the QB position is crucial, it’s not the sole focus.
The Jets might walk away convinced that Simpson is the right choice, but they could also recognize that another player offers more value with the second pick.
There’s still a possibility Simpson doesn’t get overlooked in the first round.
The Jets Could Opt for Simpson at 16
Don’t forget, the Jets have two picks in the first round.
They hold the No. 16 pick, a result of the Sauce Gardner trade with the Indianapolis Colts.
Before diving deeper, let’s pause to reflect on a recent image that illustrates the situation. Sometimes seeing things helps clarify thoughts.
Recent mock drafts suggested Simpson hovered around the top 10 in December, but his ranking slipped significantly as the draft approached.
Before this decline, he was projected to land around No. 16, potentially aligned with the Jets’ second pick.
If the Jets choose not to take Simpson at second overall, he might still be available later.
And identifying whether he’s a solid drafting option at that juncture is crucial for New York.
The Jets have issues that extend beyond just the quarterback role. According to the “Consensus Mock Draft,” the team has choices to make at the second pick, considering talented wide receivers like Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon, or Omar Cooper Jr., among other potential cornerbacks.
New York could decide to bolster their roster in other areas instead of snagging a quarterback this year, looking toward future drafts to revisit that position. Let’s keep in mind, they’ll have three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft – one from the Colts in the Gardner trade and another from the Cowboys due to the Quinnen Williams trade. This gives them a leg up, no matter how 2026 turns out.
Moreover, the next year’s quarterback class is projected to be stronger than this year’s. Isn’t that always the case?
Given the current circumstances, the Jets should ensure they secure a quarterback this year, whether it’s at No. 2 or No. 16.
The Jets Weighing Trade Options
They aren’t the only franchise searching for a quarterback right now. The Arizona Cardinals, sitting at third overall, are parting ways with Kyler Murray and also need to establish a clear direction at QB. The Cleveland Browns have a chance to work with Shedule Sanders this season, but acquiring a new quarterback could be on their radar soon. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers are also considering their next steps and have shown interest in Simpson recently.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Rams have already met with Simpson. It appears they are in “win-now” mode, but securing a backup plan for Matthew Stafford remains a top priority as well.
I personally think a great fit for Simpson would be with the Rams, where he could learn from Stafford and coach Sean McVay, but that’s just my perspective.
Returning to the matter at hand, various teams might be looking to trade up in the first round for a chance to draft Simpson. It’s uncertain whether it’ll be for the second or the sixteenth pick, but New York needs to be prepared with clear expectations on what they want in return if that opportunity arises.
This essentially means the Jets have to understand the true value of Simpson.
The Jets Hoping to Trigger a Trade
Here’s an additional thought.
The Jets might be playing a strategic game.
The NFL Draft often resembles a poker game of sorts. What each team holds close to their chest won’t be revealed until draft day, but for now, everyone is playing their best hand.
For the Jets, this could involve expressing interest in Simpson to provoke teams desperate for a quarterback into considering a trade. Perhaps the Steelers or another team might look to leapfrog to No. 16 to grab Simpson, instead of risking letting a different team snatch him at the second spot.
We see this frequently in player trades. Players transition from “unavailable” to suddenly on the market. Most recently, there was Maxx Crosby, labeled as “elite,” who wasn’t supposed to be traded until he, well, was. The asking price fluctuated significantly.
This could all just be a tactic, a way to entice the draft for Simpson if it comes down to that.
The Jets Are Doing Their Homework
We’ve read a lot by now, and perhaps we’ve reached a straightforward conclusion.
Essentially, the Jets are simply gathering the necessary information.
With several weeks still before the draft, and uncertainty hanging in the air, anything is possible. Many think Mendoza will go to the Raiders at No. 1. Yet, the NFL Draft has historically thrown unexpected elements into the mix, and this year won’t be an exception.
The Jets find themselves in a peculiar position, with multiple roster needs and two first-round picks this year, plus three more next year. They have a significant amount to sort through in the weeks ahead.
Determining Simpson’s worth—whether at 2, 16, or elsewhere—and comparing that against expected future quarterback prospects is a productive use of their time.
