With the 2026 NFL Draft about a month away, it’s essentially a guarantee that Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be the first selection by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Yet, there is another quarterback who is gaining a lot of steam: Ty Simpson from the University of Alabama. As his draft stock continues to rise, NFL insider Adam Schefter gave an update on when he’ll be drafted.
Why Ty Simpson’s 2026 NFL Draft Stock is Rising Into First-Round Territory
This morning, NFL insider Dan Orlovsky gave his opinion on Simpson’s 2026 NFL Draft projection, saying, “IMO-Ty Simpson is the best QB in this draft.”
IMO-Ty Simpson is the best QB in this draft https://t.co/vOph21Kduw
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 23, 2026
This point was reaffirmed by former NFL executive turned analyst Mike Tannenbaum. He backed up Orlovsky’s take, saying, “In talking to clubs this opinion is shared by other teams as well.”
In talking to clubs this opinion is shared by other teams as well https://t.co/kYLHgLHedy
— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) March 23, 2026
Louis Riddick added to that in a social media post, saying, “There is a reason why Ty Simpson decided to declare for the draft months ago and not go back to college. He knows that #NFL teams liked what he put on tape in 2025. It’s not new.”
There is a reason why Ty Simpson decided to declare for the draft months ago and not go back to college. He knows that #NFL teams liked what he put on tape in 2025. It’s not new.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) March 23, 2026
To get to the bottom of the Simpson rise, “The Pat McAfee Show” had Schefter on to hear about the inside rumblings. Here’s what the insider had to say:
“These things always evolve as the draft moves closer… the one thing I can say confidently right now, talking to front offices, is that I believe Ty Simpson will be a first-round draft pick. That’s all I’m comfortable saying right now. We will revisit this topic many times as the Draft marches closer… One of the central/focal storylines of the first round of the draft will be where does Ty Simpson go? All I feel comfortable saying right now is I’m confident he’ll be a first round pick.”
“The one thing that I can say confidently right now is that Ty Simpson will be a first round draft pick..
Talking to front offices that’s what I believe”@AdamSchefter #PMSLive https://t.co/8WAIXvyscD pic.twitter.com/tIuZQUWrli
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 23, 2026
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
Despite being at Alabama for four years, Simpson only started for the team in 2025. During 2025, he completed 64.5% of passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Additionally, he rushed 90 times for 93 yards and two touchdowns. In PFSN’s CFB Quarterback Impact Metric, Simpson ranked as the 25th-best quarterback with an impact score of 85.4 and a letter grade of B.
