There haven't been many who have more ardently supported Ty Simpson in the pre-draft process than former NFL QB turned analyst Dan Orlovsky. Alongside Chase Daniel, another former NFL QB, and draft guru Todd McShay, they make up a triumvirate of Simpson supporters who are banging the drum of his worthiness as one of the top picks in next month's NFL Draft.
It seems obvious at this point that Simpson is going to be a first-round pick. The range in which he could be selected varies wildly, however, but he is the consensus No. 2 QB behind Indiana's Fernando Mendoza.
But when Orlovsky flips on the tape, he doesn't see much of a difference between the two quarterbacks, despite Mendoza seeming like a lock to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.
"Mendoza is impressive, but I think Ty Simpson, tape-wise? Just as impressive." Orlovsky said on First Take on Tuesday.
Dan Orlovsky says Ty Simpson's tape is just as impressive as Fernando Mendoza's
He dove further into what makes him think that.
"He's very much Brock Purdy for me. If you just watch his tape, and you take everything else away, all you see is a big-time throw that is an NFL-style throw down the field, a 20-yard in, a 20-yard crossing route, a deep post, a deep corner route, under pressure. The things that we watch and demand of NFL quarterbacks. Pinpoint ball placement in the redzone. He's surgical in rhythm and timing. ...It's just incredibly challenging and difficult throws.
"The thing that I get stuck on is that in the middle of November, everybody to a T that is a draft analyst or projector, had Ty Simpson as a Top 5 or Top 7 pick. And then the play did drop off - not nearly as much as everyone makes it out - because he got beat up and their offensive line fell apart, and he was carrying that team, and they couldn't run the football. And then he's not worthy of a first-round pick anymore? That doesn't make sense to me."
Simpson has been, as expected, one of the most polarizing prospects in this draft cycle. He had eye-popping tape during the first half of the season, and analysts like Orlovsky, who have actually spent time watching him game-by-game, all come away with the same impression: Simpson can be a franchise quarterback in the NFL.
It would not be surprising in the next few weeks before the NFL Draft if Simpson's stock continues to rise. He had a terrific showing at the NFL Combine, and he could shine even more next week at Alabama's Pro Day.
Orlovsky seems to think the Jets would be smart to consider the Tide's QB with the No. 2 pick. While that might be too high, the Dolphins at No. 11 could be in the market for a young QB to sit behind recently signed Malik Willis. Miami acquired a second first-round pick on Tuesday by trading former Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos.
Other options for Simpson would seemingly include the Jets (No. 16), Steelers (No. 21), and Browns (No. 24), with the Dolphins at pick No. 30 likely being his floor.