The 2026 NFL Draft is not considered to be especially deep at the quarterback position. Most expect Fernando Mendoza to be the top pick, with Alabama’s Ty Simpson likely the second quarterback taken.
However, just last season, Shedeur Sanders fell all the way to the fifth round after being predicted to be drafted in the first round. One NFL insider doesn’t expect Simpson to suffer the same fate as Sanders, though.
Adam Schefter Doesn’t Anticipate an Epic Draft Fall for Ty Simpson
Simpson is an intriguing quarterback prospect. He only started one season in college, but he did so in a pro-style offense alongside plenty of future NFL players.
In 2025, Simpson played in 15 games for the Crimson Tide, throwing for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Simpson led the SEC in pass completions and pass attempts while leading the Tide to the College Football Playoff.
While most mock drafts have Simpson being drafted somewhere in the mid-to-late first round, there’s no consensus. This is very similar to where Sanders was at last year, as most mocks had him somewhere in the first round.
Adam Schefter appeared on ESPN on Thursday to discuss this quarterback class. Regarding Simpson, Schefter doesn’t anticipate a Sanders-esque fall.
“I think there are some people who really like Ty Simpson in this draft,” said Schefter. “And all it takes is one.”
However, the insider also noted that similar things were said about Sanders last season. Regardless, Schefter thinks the situation is different and doesn’t expect a fall for the Alabama product.
“We heard similar questions about Shedeur Sanders last year… Now we’re in a situation with Ty Simpson, he’s not going to fall like that,” Schefter explained. “We don’t expect that to be the case at all. Most people believe he’s a first-round talent.”
It will be interesting to see where Simpson ends up. Schefter went on to explain that he doesn’t expect Simpson to go in the top 10, so it’s possible some team will trade up to secure the passer.
Which Team Will Draft Ty Simpson?
The Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to take Fernando Mendoza with the top pick. Considering Schefter doesn’t expect Simpson to go in the top 10, teams like the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Cleveland Browns can probably be ruled out.
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
Schefter also added that the Jets at No. 16 and the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21 are also not expected to take Simpson. The Los Angeles Rams are an interesting option as Matthew Stafford is aging, but Schefter mentioned that the Rams may want to take a wide receiver now.
While it’s far from clear where he will go, it’s clear that Simpson won’t have to wait as long to get drafted as Sanders did.
