There are few bigger debate topics around the NFL Draft right now than Ty Simpson. The Crimson Tide's starting quarterback in 2025 looked like a sure-fire first-round pick and a possible Heisman Trophy winner midway through the season. But rough performances against Georgia and Indiana to end the season took some shine off of Simpson's profile.
There was speculation that Simpson could be a late addition to the Senior Bowl after he submitted his paperwork to enter the draft, but Simpson will not be participating in the annual showcase from Mobile, Alabama and is instead focusing on training and preparing for the NFL Combine while also recovering from a rib injury he suffered in the Rose Bowl.
.@MelKiperESPN selected Alabama QB Ty Simpson for the #Jets with the 16th overall pick in his mock draft.
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) January 27, 2026
He passionately defended him & explained why it makes ‘perfect sense’ for NYJ. @FieldYates explained that in theory NYJ could try & wait to get him at pick 33 at the top… pic.twitter.com/Exaz0Zpe1R
Ty Simpson skips out on Senior Bowl as opinions on his draft position vary
Daniel Jeremiah from NFL.com did not have Simpson in the first round of his most recent Mock Draft, but ESPN's draft expert Mel Kiper believes that Simpson is a good pick for the Jets with their second first-round pick at No. 16.
"We look at Ty Simpson now, when you put it altogether, is a guy that's worthy of being a first-round draft choice," Kiper said. "He's a competitor. This guy will not let a play die. Ultra-competitive. That gets you in a little trouble at times. He had 21 touchdown passes and only one pick up until what...nine games into the season."
Simpson completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions. He did struggle with fumbles in the second half of the season. But Simpson would've been a top quarterback had he stayed in school. Miami reportedly offered him a massive NIL deal to play for the Hurricanes in 2026.
Barring a major issue, it appears that Indiana's Fernando Mendoza will be the first quarterback taken in the draft, possibly at the No. 1 selection with the Las Vegas Raiders. After that, it's a bit a mystery, but Simpson is going to be in the mix to be that second quarterback taken. More times than not, the second quarterback taken will also be a first-round pick. Maybe the Jets select him in the middle of the first round, maybe a team waits until the second round, or maybe Simpson kills it in the combine and with private workouts and a team wants to get into the top ten to take him.
Where Simpson ends up remains to be seen, but we know where he likely won't be this week — at Senior Bowl practices.