Alabama's Ty Simpson: 'I'm a franchise quarterback'
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson before the Rose Bowl. Credit: AP/Kyusung Gong
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has no doubt about what he can be in the NFL.
“I'm a franchise quarterback,” Simpson said Friday at the NFL Combine.
Simpson is the No. 2 quarterback prospect in this draft behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who is the odds-on favorite to go first overall to the Raiders. Simpson is projected to be taken from mid-first round to early second round — and he could be in play for the Jets.
They have picks 2, 16, 33 and 44 in the first two rounds. It’s almost a lock that the Jets will draft an edge rusher — Ohio State’s Arvell Reese or Texas Tech’s David Bailey — with the second choice, especially after trading Jermaine Johnson to Tennessee for nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat.
Some debate exists over whether the quarterback-needy Jets should take Simpson or a receiver at 16. Makai Lemon (USC), Carnell Tate (Ohio State) or Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) would be enticing receiver options if available. The Jets met with all three in Indianapolis.
The Jets will be active in the quarterback market in free agency and through trades, so they might not draft one until later. Simpson may have to blow them away when he throws at the NFL Combine and his Pro Day for them to pick him 16th. They could consider him at 33, if he’s still there.
Simpson met with head coach Aaron Glenn, offensive coordinator Frank Reich and other members of the Jets at the NFL Combine. Simpson said Glenn is “a super juiceful guy” and Reich is “a great, great human being.” Simpson said he enjoyed “talking ball” and going through installs with them.
“I really love the Jets,” Simpson said. “Really blessed to be able to have a meeting with them. If I have an opportunity to play for New York, they’re going to get the best Ty Simpson they can get.”
The Jets could wait until next year to draft a franchise quarterback when they have three first-round picks in what is considered to be a better QB class. If they pass on Simpson, possibilities for the Jets later in this draft include Miami’s Carson Beck, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Penn State’s Drew Allar.
“Everyone's always looking for their long-term, franchise quarterback and we'll continue to do that,” general manager Darren Mougey said. “I think there's some good options in this draft.”
There are questions about Simpson’s ability to lead an NFL team because of a lack of experience and a dip in play late last season for the Crimson Tide.
He’s only started 15 games in his four years at Alabama. Simpson spent the first three backing up Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe.
Simpson tried to allay any concerns by saying he learned from Young and Milroe and from playing against other future NFL players when he ran the scout offense against the Crimson Tide first-team defense.
It showed early when Simpson got his chance to start.
He threw 21 touchdown passes and one interception and led Alabama to an 8-1 start. The Crimson Tide split their last six games while Simpson passed for seven touchdowns and four interceptions. He struggled in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Indiana, throwing for just 67 yards before leaving the game with a rib injury.
Simpson also dealt with and played through nagging back and elbow injuries and a bout of gastritis during the season. He said he’s 100% healthy now and ready to silence any doubters.
“I feel like I’m ready,” Simpson said. “Alabama prepares you most for the NFL… I run an NFL type system. It's definitely prepared me for saying those long play calls, saying those checks and making sure that I get us in the right protection.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
