Quarterback timelines rarely line up with expectations, especially for rookies. Teams want answers early, and young quarterbacks are often pushed onto the field before they are fully ready. That is the situation ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. is cautioning against when it comes to Ty Simpson.
Mel Kiper Jr. Suggests Ty Simpson May Need Time Before Starting
The Alabama quarterback is gaining traction, but Kiper believes the approach matters just as much as the talent. Speaking on “Get Up,” Kiper stressed that he does not view Simpson as a plug-and-play option right away.
“You better be patient with Ty Simpson and realize to force him in this year as a rookie, and they all do, may be asking a little too much.”
– @MelKiperESPN on Ty Simpson vs Fernando Mendoza pic.twitter.com/xF5grSkbjs
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) March 25, 2026
“Fernando Mendoza is at No. 1 on my board. Ty Simpson is at 25,” Kiper said, noting the disparity in experience between the two prospects. Kiper labeled Simpson’s 15 career starts a “risky, dangerous number” for a high draft pick.
Kiper pointed to ball security as one of the areas that still needs development. Simpson struggled with fumbles during the 2025 season, losing five fumbles over a seven-game stretch. That kind of detail tends to come to light quickly at the next level, where mistakes carry more weight and patience is harder to come by.
He also emphasized the mental side of the transition. The margin for error at quarterback shrinks immensely in the NFL, and rookies do not get much time to settle in before the scrutiny ramps up.
Kiper indicated that Mendoza currently holds the advantage in nearly every category, from size to completion percentage. Simpson may have the tools, but expecting immediate consistency could put him in a difficult spot early in his career.
Kiper’s caution comes at a time when Simpson’s evaluation is still split. Some see a quarterback who needs more development time, while others view him as one of the more NFL-ready passers in the class.
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky has been the strongest voice on the other side of that conversation. He recently argued that Simpson is the best quarterback in the 2026 class, citing his elite processing and “fast eyes” on game film, despite a smaller frame than Mendoza’s.
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That gap shows up in how Simpson is currently slotted. Simpson threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions, adding 93 rushing yards and two scores. He finished with an 85.4 score and ranked No. 25 in the PFSN CFB QB Impact Rankings during his lone year as a full-time starter.
Simpson has the ability to play in the NFL. The bigger issue is whether he lands somewhere that actually gives him a chance to develop. If he gets thrown on the field too early, it could get ugly fast. If a team handles him the right way, there is enough there to work with.
