Ty Simpson has emerged as one of the more polarizing quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class. While some evaluators see a pro-ready passer with strong fundamentals, others have raised concerns about his physical tools, particularly his arm strength.
Those doubts have followed him throughout the pre-draft process, even after a productive final college season at Alabama under Kalen DeBoer. However, Simpson isn’t backing down from the criticism; in fact, he’s using it as motivation during the pre-draft process.
Ty Simpson Pushes Back Against ‘Arm Strength’ Criticism
During a recent interview with former NFL QB Daniel Chase on his podcast “The Breakdown,” Simpson directly addressed the narrative surrounding his arm talent, expressing frustration with how he’s being evaluated without firsthand observation.
“Come watch me throw, everybody will refrain from that from now on. It’s crazy,” Simpson said. “I wanted to, one, show arm strength and then two, show everybody that I could go under center, whether it’s seven step, five step, three step… like just something to where I can do everything.”
His comments came after a strong pro day performance, during which several scouts reportedly walked away impressed by the velocity and mechanics of his throws, suggesting that perception may not match reality.
According to a report from ESPN’s Jordan Reid, “Multiple scouts in attendance came away impressed with how the ball came off Simpson’s hand.”
Simpson also emphasized that QB evaluation goes beyond throwing in controlled environments, pointing to his ability to perform under pressure as a key strength.
“And then they have movements, everybody can sit there and throw in shorts, right?” Simpson added. “But when you have Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, Maxx Crosby coming off the edge, how can you get your base back and your feet in the ground? That’s something that I feel like I do best.”
Simpson highlighted his comfort in game-like situations, particularly his footwork and balance against elite pass rushers, as these traits are critical for transitioning to the NFL.
But, beyond the arm strength, Simpson also addressed concerns about his mobility and overall athletic profile, pushing back strongly against what he views as an unfair perception.
“I’m not the most athletic guy,” Simpson said. “And I just left that off too… It’s preposterous how people view me when they hadn’t seen me in person and seen what I could do.'”
His frustration reflects a broader issue many prospects face: being labeled based on limited tape or preconceived notions rather than full evaluations.
Despite the criticism, Simpson’s overall profile remains intriguing. He finished his final season at Alabama with 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions, leading the team to an 11-4 record and a College Football Playoff appearance. He also earned second-team All-SEC honors, further strengthening his resume.
From an analytics standpoint, Simpson posted an 85.4 score in PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Metric, ranking 25th nationally. On the PFSN Consensus Big Board, he holds an 84.22 grade and is ranked No. 45 overall, and is projected to be selected in the first round.
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While questions remain about his limited experience since he totaled just 15 career starts, his comfort in a pro-style system and upward momentum in the pre-draft process are working in his favor.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Simpson’s message is clear: the narrative around him doesn’t match his reality. Now, it’s up to NFL teams to decide whether to trust the perception or the player himself.
