With just 27 days until the NFL Draft kicks off, opinions on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson span a wide range—from those who view him as the top quarterback in this class over Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, to others who project him as a third-round selection.
Simpson began his 2025 season as a first-year starter for the Crimson Tide and initially generated significant buzz. However, as the season progressed, injuries appeared to contribute to a dip in his performance, raising questions about both his consistency and durability. Early draft projections had Mendoza as the only quarterback likely to go on Day 1, but the high demand for signal-callers helped push Simpson into first-round conversations.
One popular mock draft had Simpson landing with the Pittsburgh Steelers at 21st overall. On the surface, the fit made sense: the inexperienced quarterback could spend a year developing behind veteran Aaron Rodgers, who is widely expected to re-sign with Pittsburgh under new head coach Mike McCarthy. However, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reported that Simpson’s limited starting experience “will almost certainly deter Pittsburgh from picking him up in the first round.” DeFabo noted the Steelers could reconsider if Simpson slides far enough, though he stopped short of specifying how much of a fall would be needed.
Mark Kaboly, a Steelers correspondent for The Pat McAfee Show and a former contributor at The Athletic, believes Pittsburgh may instead target a wide receiver within the first three rounds to complement DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman. Kaboly added that he isn’t confident Rodgers would rely heavily on a rookie pass-catcher, given the quarterback’s preference for targeting more polished veterans.
The range of opinions on Simpson was on full display recently when ESPN’s Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates were asked what percentage chance Simpson has of being selected on Day 1. Miller gave 25 percent, Reid said 75 percent, and Yates went with 90 percent. While all three agreed that no team currently holds a first-round pick that aligns perfectly with Simpson’s value, Reid and Yates suggested a team like the Arizona Cardinals could trade back into the first round to secure him.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic attended Simpson’s pro day and noted that teams came away impressed. His intangible qualities, in particular, stood out, with some observers commenting that Simpson could eventually move into coaching after his playing career. His professional comparisons further highlight the uncertainty surrounding his draft stock: he has been likened to both Bo Nix, a first-round pick who started as a rookie, and Brock Purdy, who was selected with the final pick of his draft.
Regardless of where he lands, Simpson is all but certain to hear his name called within the next month. How opinions on the 23-year-old continue to shift in the days ahead will be one of the more intriguing storylines leading up to the draft.
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