Ty Simpson Poised to Boost Draft Stock at NFL Combine

While Indiana’s Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza has dominated headlines as the projected No. 1 overall pick, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is quietly climbing draft boards. Scouts and analysts alike see Simpson as a potential franchise quarterback, capable of stepping into the NFL and making an immediate impact.

Draft evaluators are taking notice. Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky recently claimed, “Ty Simpson’s tape from Alabama, through the first eight games of the season, is significantly more impressive than Fernando Mendoza’s,” highlighting the Crimson Tide signal-caller’s skill set and production. Simpson himself echoed the sentiment, citing Alabama’s preparation and locker-room culture as key factors in his readiness for the pros.

“First off, I think I’m ready, I’m a franchise quarterback,” Simpson said, via ESPN’s Jeff Legwold. “Alabama prepares you the most for the NFL … The Alabama locker room is as close to an NFL locker room as you can get.” With the NFL Combine underway, Simpson has a prime opportunity to show teams why he belongs among the draft’s top quarterbacks.

Unlike Mendoza, who plans only to meet with NFL teams, Simpson will throw in front of scouts and executives during the combine. This will be his first chance to demonstrate his full capabilities while healthy since the middle of Alabama’s season, when injuries affected his performance. The combine could therefore serve as a pivotal moment for his draft positioning.

1. Season Review and Potential

Simpson’s 2025 season featured a sharp contrast between the first and second halves. Over the first nine games, he completed 66.9% of his passes, throwing 23 touchdowns against a single interception. However, over the final six games while battling injuries, his completion percentage dropped to 60.5%, with seven touchdowns and four interceptions. These fluctuations have fueled both intrigue and caution among NFL teams. While his early-season performance demonstrated elite playmaking ability, scouts want to see evidence that Simpson can consistently execute under pressure when fully healthy. The combine offers that opportunity. Simpson’s strengths extend beyond statistics. His poise in the pocket, ability to read defenses, and leadership in Alabama’s pro-style offense have impressed coaches and evaluators. Analysts note that his experience in a high-caliber college program has prepared him for the NFL’s mental and physical demands. Success at the combine could significantly elevate Simpson’s stock, particularly given the varying projections from draft analysts. A strong showing would affirm his status as the top quarterback after Mendoza, while reinforcing his readiness to contribute immediately at the next level.

2. Draft Projections

Simpson is widely projected as the second quarterback selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, though opinions vary on exactly where he will land. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. slots him at No. 21 to the Pittsburgh Steelers, while CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson predicts he could go No. 16 to the New York Jets. Another CBS analyst, Blake Brockermeyer, has Simpson being selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the 13th pick. Not all projections are in the first round. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah and Tankathon have him going in Round 2, with Tankathon mocking him to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 34. Jeremiah acknowledged the uncertainty, stating, “I still have only one [quarterback] in my mock, but I think it’s fair to say the prospect with the most to gain leading up to the draft is Alabama QB Ty Simpson.” This range reflects both Simpson’s potential and the impact of his late-season injury struggles. Teams will weigh his upside as a franchise quarterback against durability concerns, making his combine performance a critical piece of the evaluation puzzle. Ultimately, Simpson’s draft position will depend on how effectively he demonstrates arm strength, accuracy, decision-making, and leadership in Indianapolis. A strong showing could move him solidly into first-round consideration, while a mediocre performance might push him toward mid-to-late first-round or early second-round selection.

3. NFL Combine Opportunity

The NFL Combine provides a unique platform for Simpson to validate his talent. Participating quarterbacks will undergo a series of drills, interviews, and workouts designed to assess athleticism, mental acuity, and preparedness for the professional game. Simpson is scheduled to throw on Saturday afternoon in front of NFL teams. For Simpson, the combine is both a proving ground and a showcase. Success could affirm the early-season tape that impressed scouts, while showing that he has fully recovered from mid-season injuries. Executing in front of decision-makers gives him the chance to distinguish himself from other prospects and build confidence with potential suitors. Beyond physical performance, Simpson’s leadership and professionalism are on display. Teams are evaluating character, preparation, and adaptability, all areas in which Alabama quarterbacks are known to excel. His combine presentation will therefore factor into both draft stock and long-term franchise evaluation. With the draft just weeks away, Simpson has a rare opportunity to solidify his standing as one of the nation’s elite quarterbacks. How he performs in Indianapolis could determine whether he is the first QB off the board after Mendoza or slides further down the selection order.