At the start of the Alabama football season, I wrote about Ty Simpson looking like an NFL-ready quarterback. The Alabama offense and passing game were looking fantastic and lethal before they continued to drop off towards the end of the year. Recent memory of football fans might remember Ty Simpson towards the end of the year, who was dealing with injuries and struggling a bit, but I believe Dan Orlovsky is looking at the Ty Simpson at the beginning of the season. I do not believe it is that wild or crazy to suggest that maybe Simpson is the most NFL-ready quarterback in the draft, even over Fernando Mendoza.
Why Dan Orlovsky's Take Deserves Attention
He knows quarterbacks. He has been evaluating quarterbacks for years. I am not saying he is always right, but this is a guy who played the position at the highest level. He knows that the QB play in the NFL is less about spectacular throws and crazy highlights, but more about consistency, timing, and decision-making. That's where Simpson's profile stands out. While other quarterbacks may generate more buzz from raw athleticism or awards, Simpson's strengths align closely with what NFL teams actually prioritize. This is what makes the conversation worth having.
Processing and Decision-Making Seperate Simspon
The most important trait for any NFL QB is the mental processing and the breakdown of the play. The decision-making of a QB will beat speed and athleticism. Simpson, all season at Alabama, made changes at the line of scrimmage in Grubb's offense. He showed progression moving from his first read to his second, even his third. Simpson consistently took what defenses gave him while he was in the pocket. He rarely forced unnecessary throws, and when the pocket did break down, Simpson used his legs. One of the most important things that NFL coaches look for in a QB is the need to make the right decisions and avoid negative plays. Turnovers, sacks, and lost yardage in a game are detrimental. They are looking for decision makers who can make smart decisions and become a leader for an offense. A player coaches can trust to help their team win a football game and make the correct decisions on the field. Simpson fits this mold.
Mechanics and Footwork Translate Immediately
His release is compact. His footwork is controlled for the most part. There were times, after the rumors started that he was playing through injury, when his footwork dropped off, and there were issues of setting his feet before the throw. Some of that may have to do with the lack of offensive line play as well. Simpson operated, a majority of the time, with balance in the pocket and creating a stable base before his throws. Now, this is not gonna show up in highlight reels and maybe too nuanced for some, but these things are critical at the next level. Many quarterbacks enter the NFL needing overhauls and tweaks to their mechanics. Simpson doesn't appear to fall into this category. The mechanics could be refined, but no overhaul is needed with him as a prospect.
Fit and Exposure to a Pro-Style Offense
Under Kalen Deboer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, Alabama's offense is built on timing and structure. Grubb took his offensive style from the Seattle Seahawks to the Tide last season, for better and for worse, but the QB position has always been an important part of his offensive system. Some college quarterbacks operate in systems or rely heavily on improvisations. They can also rely on RPO's and simplified reads. When they reach the NFL, the adjustment and gaining full knowledge and control over an offensive system can be steep. Simpson is already functioning within a system that emphasizes rythym passing, play action, and reading defenses. That experience provides a foundation that should translate more smoothly to the next level. Especially, when comparing it to potential prospects who have to learn the entire structure of an offense the first time, instead of building off prior exposure and knowledge.
Why Simpson Could Translate Better Than "More Talented" QBs
This is where Orlovsky's argument becomes most compelling. Simpson may not be the most physically gifted quarterback in the class, but he may be one of the most prepared. He plays steady in the pocket, he has some high level NFL ready throws that are on time, and he limits his mistakes. Simpson's tape shows several throws where he puts the football into tight windows while the receivers are running NFL routes, ex, deep crossers. The game is going to speed up in the NFL, and the processing is going to have to be faster for the quarterbacks in this draft class. The defenses close faster, throwing windows shrink, and mistakes get punished. Simpson's game is built to handle that environment. He commanded the offense to a playoff run behind an offensive line that allowed plenty of pressure in his face throughout the season. Combine that with the nonexistent run game, and there is maybe not another QB in this draft class that did more this past season with less.
This Is Not as Crazy as People Think it is
Most of the scouts, media, and personalities have had Mendoza as the best QB in the class. This past week, a lot of people have dragged Orlovsky for his take and going against the grain, but it makes sense to me. Eliminate the traits and the highlight plays, disregard the awards, the conservation changes. Quick processing, clean mechanics, comfort in structure, and clear decision-making. These are the qualities that translate to the NFL. These are also the qualities that Simpson brings to the table. So maybe the real takeaway isn't that Orlovsky's take is bold. Maybe the take should be that people should be paying closer attention.