2026 NFL Scouting Report: Ty Simpson

Prospect Summary:

After serving as a backup to Jalen Milroe, Simpson took over as the starting quarterback for Alabama in 2025. Florida State shocked the Crimson Tide with a Week 1 upset, but then Simpson got red hot and led the Crimson Tide to some tough wins over good opponents like Georgia, Missouri, and Tennessee. Simpson carried the team as Alabama had a pathetic rushing attack all season. Their defense was also nothing special, but Simpson led the team into the College Football Playoff and a Round 1 win over Oklahoma. Indiana blew out Alabama, but Simpson showed NFL ability with an excellent season leading his team. In 2025, Simpson completed 65 percent of his passes for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns, five interceptions, and two rushing touchdowns. Simpson could have returned to Alabama, but he decided to enter the 2026 NFL Draft.

For the NFL, Simpson is a dangerous passer capable of ripping apart a defense with his arm talent. The most important trait for any pro quarterback is accuracy, and Simpson has phenomenal accuracy. His ball placement is superb as he routinely throws perfect passes into tight windows. With natural loft and timing, Simpson fits his passes into tight windows and beats good coverage by being supremely accurate. Simpson leads his receivers for more yards after the catch. Along with throwing receivers open, Simpson throws passes with good loft and is able to give his wideouts a very catchable ball. In terms of arm strength, Simpson has it with a strong arm capable of making all the throws in the NFL. He does not have elite arm strength like Josh Allen, but Simpson has the arm to make the necessary throws. Simpson has good poise in the pocket and stands tall with the rush bearing down on him. He is able to make excellent throws off platform, on the run, or even flat-footed. Simpson’s accuracy is rare and elite.

Simpson’s accuracy is rare and elite. He is very precise, going to the sideline as well as the middle of the field. Simpson reads the field well, works through his progressions, has advanced field vision, and makes good decisions. Simpson had impressive ball security in his first year as a starter.

Simpson also has the ability to make plays with his legs. He can scramble to avoid the rush and throws well on the run. He keeps his eyes downfield while moving, and Simpson has surprising running ability and speed when he decides to run. His mobility will be an asset for him to pick up some first downs with his feet as a pro.

Simpson did not play as well in the final month of games, but his team did not provide much support. The running game was awful and non-existent. Simpson was not impressive against EIU, Auburn, in the SEC Championship game rematch against Georgia, and versus Indiana in the quarterfinal loss. Being one-dimensional led to some defenses ramping up the pressure on Simpson, and he was rattled against Indiana. Simpson is not a finished product, and he lacks experience. His height and weight are adequate, but less than ideal for a pro starter.

In the 2026 NFL Draft, Simpson looks like a first-round pick that should be a team’s franchise quarterback to build around for many years to come.