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Ty Simpson may not have entered the week as the consensus top quarterback in the 2026 class, but his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine changed the conversation.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide signal-caller delivered one of the steadier showings among quarterbacks in Indianapolis, drawing praise from scouts and evaluators for his mechanics, composure and overall command.
Outside of former Heisman Trophy winner and national champion Fernando Mendoza, Simpson has positioned himself as a legitimate contender to be the second quarterback off the board, with some teams viewing him as a potential late first-round or early second-round selection.
Flashes of high-level play mixed with inconsistency
Simpson, a former five-star recruit, waited his turn in Tuscaloosa before taking over as the Tide's starter for one season. That year featured flashes of high-level play mixed with inconsistency, but the combine allowed him to showcase traits that project well to the next level.
Observers noted that he had only two clear misfires during throwing sessions, one on an out route and another on a rail concept. Otherwise, he demonstrated touch on vertical throws and consistent ball placement across the field.
From a technical standpoint, Simpson's foundation stands out. His footwork is quiet and efficient, with little wasted movement, and his release is compact and repeatable. He processes coverages at an above-average level and does not appear rattled by shell looks, showing decisiveness when targeting intermediate zone windows for chunk gains.
An added value as a functional athlete
While his arm strength and velocity are viewed as average by NFL standards, his mechanics and timing give him a workable baseline for development. Simpson also adds value as a functional athlete. He can escape the pocket, extend plays and pick up first downs with his legs when necessary.
However, evaluators believe he must continue improving his internal clock and learn when to throw the ball away to avoid unnecessary sacks. As an older prospect with essentially one full season as a starter, Simpson's evaluation comes with nuance.
One-year starters rarely deliver immediate stardom at the professional level, and teams understand that he will require a patient coaching staff and a clear developmental plan. Still, his combine performance solidified his status as a serious draft candidate and may have narrowed the perceived gap between him and Mendoza atop the quarterback class.