Jets to hold private workout with Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, source says
Quarterback Ty Simpson throws in passing drills during Alabama's Pro Day on Wednesday in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Credit: AP/Vasha Hunt
The Jets will get an up-close and personal look at Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson later this week.
Simpson will have a private workout with the Jets on Friday, a league source confirmed. The Jets have two picks in the first round of next month’s draft. They’ll likely use the No. 2 pick on a disruptive defensive player. Simpson may be under consideration when the Jets are on the clock with the No. 16 selection.
The Jets are in the process of rebuilding their quarterback room. They acquired Geno Smith to be their starting quarterback and traded Justin Fields to Kansas City. The Jets could draft a quarterback and see if they can develop him. They also have three first-round picks next year in what should be a quarterback-heavy draft.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Jets went all-in on a potential franchise quarterback next year.
Jets officials and coaches have been on the road this week scouting prospects and potential No. 2 picks.
General manager Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn were at Miami’s Pro Day on Monday, Notre Dame’s on Tuesday and Ohio State’s on Wednesday. They will attend Texas Tech’s Pro Day on Thursday.
Miami’s edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., Ohio State linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles and Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey are among the players the Jets could draft second.
The Jets also had representatives at Alabama’s Pro Day on Wednesday, where Simpson threw. Simpson completed 64.5 % of his passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions last year. He is considered the second-best quarterback in this draft behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who is the favorite to be the No. 1 pick by the Raiders.
The Jets need to add to their receiver room and could take a wideout with the No. 16 pick. With four of the first 44 picks this year and nine choices overall, the Jets have the draft capital to acquire a late first-round choice that they could use on Simpson or a receiver, depending on what they do at 16.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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