NFL team with checkered QB past appears to be zeroing in on Ty Simpson

Former Alabama QB Ty Simpson has seen his draft stock rise dramatically in recent weeks. It has been on the rise since his terrific outing at the NFL Combine, and analysts such as Dan Orlovsky and Todd McShay are beginning to be louder about Simpson being on par with Indiana's Fernando Mendoza.

Wherever you think Simpson might be drafted, you're probably short-changing it. Intel continues to point toward Simpson going much higher than anyone originally thought. He's a first-round lock, and it would not be a huge surprise if he ends up hearing his name called in the Top 10 next month.

Simpson put together a strong performance on Wednesday during Alabama's Pro Day to further solidify his standing as QB2 behind Mendoza. On the heels of that performance, ESPN's Field Yates reported that the New York Jets scheduled a private workout with Simpson for this Friday:

The New York Jets appear to covet Ty Simpson in the NFL Draft

The Jets own two picks in the first round at No. 2 and No. 16. It's probably a reach to think they could use the No. 2 pick on Simpson, but that No. 16 slot is starting to stand out as Simpson's potential floor. If another team behind the Jets, say the Steelers or someone like that, wants Simpson, they're probably going to have to move up to land him.

The Jets have a checkered history with quarterbacks, particularly over the last two decades or so, but it might not be the worst landing spot for the former Tide star. After trading for veteran QB Geno Smith, Simpson could have the benefit of not being immediately thrown to the wolves as a rookie starting QB with a limited supporting cast. Smith could run the show for a year while Simpson sits back and learns, and New York builds up the team around him.

And while the Jets' history with quarterbacks hasn't been kind in recent years, perhaps Simpson can follow in the footsteps of Alabama legend Joe Namath and bring them back to relevancy.