Tuscaloosa, Alabama – NFL Draft Buzz Around Ty Simpson

The NFL draft process is famous for its twists and surprises. This week, University of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson found himself in the middle of a heated national discussion, which elicited a little laughter from him.

Simpson was just going about his business as the second-best quarterback prospect in the draft—trailing Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be the first overall pick by the Raiders—when ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky made a splash. He boldly claimed that Simpson was, in fact, the best quarterback available.

This declaration caught many in the NFL off guard. Numerous executives, including general managers and scouts, expressed skepticism about Orlovsky’s opinion, especially since it ruffled some feathers given its controversial nature.

Orlovsky’s statement essentially ignited a national conversation, pitting Mendoza against Simpson. Simpson’s season as Alabama’s starter was a mix of highs and lows, leaving NFL teams grappling with its implications.

At times during the first half of the season, Simpson appeared to be the top quarterback prospect. However, a noticeable drop in his performance later led some evaluators to suggest he might benefit from another year in college.

This decline paralleled Mendoza’s rise, who showcased impressive performances, including an impactful playoff game where he led Indiana to a dominating victory over Alabama, during which Simpson managed only 67 passing yards.

As a result, Mendoza is widely viewed as the top quarterback, while Simpson is projected to be picked either late in the first round or early in the second.

“I’m seeing him as a third-rounder,” commented an NFL executive. “Some might draft him in the second, but I suspect he’ll go in the first.”

When asked about the buzz at Alabama’s pro day, Simpson seemed unfazed, laughing off the whole situation. “I’m just going to ignore it and keep playing,” he said, echoing his approach from the previous season.

This led to a swift backlash against Orlovsky, indirectly affecting Simpson as critics began to question his height—just shy of 6 feet 1 inch—and his limited starting experience, alongside his inconsistent performance.

Simpson has been adapting to these challenges. “Sure, there are going to be a lot of questions about me,” he acknowledged. “But I know what I bring to the table. Whoever drafts me is getting someone who loves football and his team.”

However, uncertainties linger about his capabilities. “He’s a smart, professional kid, but doesn’t have extensive experience,” said one executive. “He’s accurate and athletic but lacks ideal size and arm strength, especially as his later performances showed inconsistencies.”

The lingering doubts and evaluations were on display during his pro day, where Simpson showcased impressive accuracy and speed even when pressured, demonstrating he was in good health after battling injuries that troubled him late last season.

Illness and injuries impacted his performance, leading to criticism that perhaps overlooked the context behind his struggles. “People need to understand what he dealt with,” noted his father, Jason Simpson, his college coach. “He’ll take whatever challenges come his way.”

Simpson had the chance at his pro day to prove he was back and sort of reaffirm his status as a top prospect. While some believed he could have skipped the workout after a solid showing at the Scouting Combine, he was eager to perform again in front of NFL scouts, taking on tough throws to showcase his skills.

“Why not? Let’s go all out,” he described his mindset. “I wanted to demonstrate my capabilities.”

He even told his coaches to make the drills as tough as possible, indicating his readiness and competitive spirit. “I was in it to showcase my talents,” he reflected.

Whether this bold approach will pay off remains to be seen. But it was clear that Simpson made a statement about his readiness for the next level.

“Everyone’s watching, but I just want to show what I can do,” said Alabama wide receiver Jermie Bernard.

Teams likely looking at Simpson in the first round include the Rams, Jets, Cardinals, and Steelers, all of whom had representatives at his pro day.

Simpson feels confident that his performance and film will bolster his case for a first-round pick. “I think I’ve done what I can. It’s out of my hands now,” he concluded. “Wherever I land, I’m all in.”