Alabama star Ty Simpson is becoming the biggest talking point in the 2026 NFL Draft’s quarterback class. With Indiana Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza a lock at No. 1 to the Las Vegas Raiders, discussions have turned to the next best prospect. Simpson slowly rose through the Crimson Tide’s ranks, starting his journey when Nick Saban was still coaching the team.
What concerns are there about the prospect?
Ty Simpson Must Offset Height Deficit With Elite Arm Strength
Simpson, while he might have completed the most passes in the SEC last season, hasn’t convinced everyone that he’s ready to run an NFL offense. Although he led Alabama to an 11-4 campaign in 2025, he struggled against top-tier defenses, including those of Georgia and Indiana, late in the season.
Trouble against college defenses spells more trouble against pro defenses. Additionally, the quarterback’s height has stirred conversations about how he’ll measure up against NFL players.
“The boxes he doesn’t check: he’s 6’1″, he’s 211 (lbs), he doesn’t have a [big] size,” Mike Greenberg said on “Get Up.” “If you were the one betting your job on this decision, those things become a concern.”
.@RealTannenbaum and @JRodgers11 address potential concerns with Ty Simpson in the NFL 🤔 pic.twitter.com/xC2ppX9IcR
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 27, 2026
Simpson might lack a tall frame, but he’s been busy this offseason, impressing scouts with his strength. At the Combine and Pro Day, he showed off his raw traits, earning plenty of respect around the league.
“Absolutely, and that’s why the Jets are there today,” Mike Tannenbaum followed up. “[But] when you speak to people around the league, his arm strength this offseason has surpassed expectations. By NFL standards, he is height-deficient, but to me, when I watch his film, he reminds me of Brock Purdy and Baker Mayfield.”
Purdy and Mayfield, both also standing at 6-foot-1, carved out respectable careers in the NFL with intangibles and pure willpower. With a similar build, Simpson will be forced to do the same when he lands in the league.
“Maybe not the arm strength of Baker Mayfield, but he can get the ball down the field,” Tannenbaum added.
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Arm strength alone can get a quarterback far in the NFL. An ability to stretch defenses significantly opens up the field for an offense, especially with speedy receivers who can draw out safeties from the slot or down the rails.
Simpson cleared 11.7 yards per completed pass on average in 2025, demonstrating a knack for finding receivers downfield when necessary (85.4 PFSN CFB QB Impact).
The Alabama prospect will likely be a system quarterback in the NFL. This will demand a solid offensive line, a reliable running back, and sound receivers to be successful.
