According to Pro Football Network’s Jacob Infante, the New York Jets could be setting the foundation for their future with a pair of dynamic first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft: Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell.
After a massive roster purge at the 2025 trade deadline, the Jets are firmly in rebuild mode, having two first-round draft picks, and these picks could be the cornerstones of their next great offense.
Ty Simpson: The Rising Star From Tuscaloosa
In his first full season as Alabama’s starting quarterback, Ty Simpson has exploded onto the national scene. Leading the Crimson Tide to an 8-game win streak and an 8-1 record, Simpson has quickly positioned himself among the top players in college football and into the top three of current Heisman Trophy odds.
Simpson has impressed scouts and analysts alike with his combination of precise passing, poise, and maturity that surpasses his level of experience. His 21-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio reflects both his ability to push the ball downfield and his disciplined decision-making. Averaging 8.0 net yards per pass attempt, he’s shown a balanced ability to attack both short and deep areas of the field.
While many consider Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza the top prospect in this class, Simpson has firmly established himself as the “1B” option, not a distant second. His 88.8 PFSN grade ranks 11th among all college quarterbacks, an impressive feat considering the relentless defensive competition he faces in the SEC.
One concern scouts have about Simpson is his limited experience as a starter. With just nine career starts, his sample size falls short of the 25-plus games many evaluators prefer when projecting NFL readiness. However, Simpson’s path is a bit different as he spent multiple seasons developing behind Jalen Milroe, learning Alabama’s system, and honing his craft rather than transferring elsewhere for immediate playing time. In an era when many quarterbacks jump ship at the first sign of competition, Simpson’s patience and loyalty to the program stand out as a positive reflection of his character and commitment.
Simpson’s high floor and polished approach make him an ideal fit for the Jets, who desperately need stability at the quarterback position after years of inconsistency. His field vision, accuracy, and toughness in the pocket could finally provide the long-term answer New York has been searching for.
Chris Bell: The Physical Freak from Louisville
With their second first-round pick, Infante projects the Jets to add a weapon for their new signal-caller: Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell. Standing 6’2” and weighing 220 pounds, Bell is an athletic marvel with the combination of raw speed, power, and explosiveness that NFL teams covet.
Bell’s game is built on physical dominance and yards-after-catch ability. He’s a receiver who embraces contact, accelerates quickly in open space, and has shown the ability to erase pursuit angles once he hits top speed. His physicality and willingness to fight for contested balls could make him a dangerous red-zone target and deep threat.
However, Bell remains somewhat raw as a route runner and occasionally struggles to secure the football cleanly, often double-catching passes or trapping them against his body. These inconsistencies are reminiscent of TCU’s Quentin Johnston early in his NFL career, but with coaching and refinement, Bell’s upside is tantalizing.
Pairing Bell with Garrett Wilson would give the Jets a dynamic receiver duo. Wilson’s route-running precision would complement Bell’s vertical explosiveness, allowing the rookie to develop at his own pace while still providing an immediate impact on deep routes.
Building the Future
Armed with two first-round picks, the Jets have a rare opportunity to accelerate their rebuild. Adding a poised, pro-ready quarterback like Simpson and a physically gifted receiver like Bell could reshape the offense overnight.
If these projections come to fruition, New York’s 2026 draft class might mark the turning point in their quest to return to playoff contention and perhaps, at long last, stability under center.
