NFL Draft Uncertainty: Ty Simpson Emerges as Top Quarterback Mystery, Echoing Shedeur Sanders’ Path

POLICY WIRE — New York, USA — This year’s NFL Draft class presents a significant enigma, particularly concerning its quarterback prospects, a sentiment echoed by a high-ranking AFC executive who noted the widespread uncertainty surrounding them.

The executive’s observation wasn’t solely focused on Miami’s Carson Beck, who unexpectedly appears to be the third-ranked signal-caller for numerous teams. Instead, it underscored the pervasive ambiguity that characterizes the entire draft pool, especially after Fernando Mendoza from Indiana is projected to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Ty Simpson Enigma

Following Mendoza’s anticipated selection, the placement of Alabama’s Ty Simpson becomes a focal point of speculation. Similar to Shedeur Sanders in the previous year, there is no clear consensus on where Simpson will ultimately land or when his name will be called on draft night.

According to ten different NFL talent evaluators interviewed, Simpson is consistently ranked as the second-best quarterback in this draft cycle. Of these evaluators, six foresee him being drafted in the late first round, while four project him to be an early second-round pick.

A veteran evaluator commented, "I know everyone is saying second round, but at the end of the day I think he goes in the first because too many teams need QBs and teams at the bottom of the first are willing to trade out this year. This is also arguably the worst draft in history, so it’s not like there are premium players that teams just have to have [at the end of the first]. In a normal draft, Mendoza probably goes 15th, if not lower."

This assessment of Mendoza’s standing is widely accepted across many NFL personnel departments. Kansas City Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach also recently predicted a high volume of trades, attributing it to the absence of transcendent top-tier talents that typically make early picks untouchable. This lack of certainty could lead to significant movement and unforeseen selections throughout the draft.

The unsettled nature of this draft class makes evaluating a player like Simpson particularly challenging. His inconsistent game film and limited college starts contribute to a perception of considerable risk. Despite many evaluators earmarking him as a potential late first-round trade-up target or establishing a floor of a second-round pick, it’s important to recall the similar uncertainty surrounding Shedeur Sanders last year, who ultimately fell to the fifth round despite earlier expectations.

This confluence of factors positions Simpson as one of the most compelling storylines for the upcoming draft night. Let’s explore potential landing spots based on team needs and strategic considerations.

Potential ‘Need’ Fits for Ty Simpson

• Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals find themselves in a complex situation following Kirk Cousins’ move to the Raiders, which impacts their quarterback strategy. With Jacoby Brissett potentially serving as a bridge quarterback, Simpson represents a long-term developmental option whose skills align well with Head Coach Mike LaFleur’s offensive system. Their early second-round pick territory, coupled with their dome environment ideal for Simpson’s physical attributes, makes them a strong candidate. The team also needs a young quarterback to develop under a bridge starter.

• New York Jets: The Jets are also seeking a long-term answer at quarterback, with Geno Smith on a one-year deal and few established backups. The team’s substantial draft capital, including picks at #2, #16, #33, and #44, provides flexibility to acquire Simpson. They could potentially select him at #16, target him at the start of the second round if he slides, or even trade back into the first round using their later picks for added contract control. However, the prospect of a talent-rich 2027 quarterback class, where the Jets hold three first-round picks, introduces a strategic dilemma.

• Pittsburgh Steelers: With Mason Rudolph and Will Howard currently under contract and uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ potential return, the Steelers are actively seeking a definitive starter. New Head Coach Mike McCarthy lacks a clear top choice. While concerns exist about Simpson’s size for the AFC North and the team’s past experiences with quarterbacks like Kenny Pickett, the undeniable need for a signal-caller could make them a serious contender.

‘Preparation’ Fit: Grooming for the Future

Los Angeles Rams: The Rams face the reality of needing a young quarterback to develop behind Matthew Stafford, especially with backup Jimmy Garoppolo reportedly considering retirement. Stafford’s impressive 2025 performance suggests he might have a longer career horizon than anticipated. While the Rams might initially prioritize bolstering other positions to support Stafford, Simpson’s traits fit Sean McVay’s offense, and he wouldn’t be pressured into immediate action. This long-game approach could lead to a surprising selection as high as #13 overall, despite a potential "win-now" pick being sacrificed.

Read More: Chargers’ 2026 NFL Draft First-Round Pick: AI Analysis Reveals Strategic Direction

‘Total Chaos’ Fits: If Simpson Slides

A significant slide for Simpson could open up unexpected destinations:

• Baltimore Ravens: The ongoing delay in Lamar Jackson’s contract extension could prompt the Ravens to consider contingency plans. While an unlikely scenario, the team showed interest in Shedeur Sanders during his slide in a previous draft. If Simpson were to fall to pick #45, the situation could become highly dynamic.

• Philadelphia Eagles: General Manager Howie Roseman has a history of making bold, unexpected quarterback selections, exemplified by drafting Jalen Hurts at #53 in 2020 despite Carson Wentz being established. While a repeat of such a move might seem improbable at pick #23, Roseman’s strategic audacity means nothing is off the table if Simpson were to surprisingly drop to #54.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: While Baker Mayfield is expected to receive an extension, the current lack of a finalized deal keeps the Buccaneers’ #46 overall pick an interesting wildcard. Though highly improbable, recent draft surprises, like the Atlanta Falcons’ selection of Michael Penix Jr. after signing Kirk Cousins, suggest that no scenario can be entirely dismissed in the unpredictable landscape of the NFL Draft.