The quarterback conversation in the 2026 NFL Draft has largely centered around upside and scarcity. With no clear-cut elite tier, evaluators have been forced to dig deeper into traits, projection, and long-term viability. That has opened the door for polarizing prospects like Ty Simpson, whose lone season as a starter has sparked both optimism and hesitation across the league.
Ty Simpson Emerges as Brock Purdy-Type Option in 2026 NFL Draft
Simpson’s profile is a classic case of projection over production. The Alabama product flashed enough high-level traits in 2025 to generate real first-round buzz, even if the inconsistencies remain hard to ignore. In a draft class lacking surefire answers at quarterback, that combination of intrigue and uncertainty could push him higher than expected.
“I’ve got [Ty Simpson] number 24 on my board and I am thinking about him as a Steelers fan at 21,” TJ Wengert, lead NFL draft analyst at 32BeatWriters, said on episode 15 of PFSN’s “Football Debate Club.”
“I see a lot that translates to the next level, and he also had an abysmal Alabama supporting cast. … Could be a Brock Purdy type.”
That comparison to Brock Purdy stands out, especially given how Purdy has reshaped expectations for mid-tier quarterback prospects. Wengert’s point leans into Simpson’s ability to function within structure, process quickly when in rhythm, and deliver with clean mechanics, traits that often translate better than raw arm talent alone.
Simpson’s 2025 production backs up some of that optimism. He threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions, adding 93 yards on the ground. Across his college career, he accounted for more than 4,000 total yards and 33 total touchdowns. Efficiency was a key part of his profile, and it showed in PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Metrics, where he posted an 85.4 grade, ranking No. 25 in the nation.
For teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers picking in the 20s, that profile can be appealing. Simpson may not have elite physical tools, but quarterbacks who can operate efficiently, limit mistakes, and stay on schedule continue to find success in today’s NFL.
Simpson’s Traits, Inconsistencies, and First-Round Draft Reality
The challenge with Simpson is that the flashes and the flaws often show up in the same game. His mechanical foundation is one of the cleanest in the class, with consistent footwork, timing, and hip rotation. When everything is aligned, he looks like a starting-caliber quarterback who can anticipate throws over the middle and attack coverage before it fully develops.
However, issues of inconsistent post-snap processing and decision-making under pressure are concerns. These flaws only become more prevalent at the pro level.
They showed up in key losses to Oklahoma and Indiana, where his timing broke down, and his confidence appeared to waver. Even in wins, there were stretches where his accuracy dipped despite otherwise sound mechanics.
Arm strength is another limiting factor. Simpson can make most throws, but he does not consistently drive the ball downfield with authority. That puts more pressure on his timing and anticipation, areas that still need refinement at the next level.
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In a weaker quarterback class, though, context matters. Simpson’s small sample size, combined with his developmental arc at Alabama, leads evaluators to believe there is more untapped potential. His profile has drawn comparisons to steady, system-friendly starters rather than high-end franchise changers.
That may ultimately define his draft range. While he may not project as a player who elevates a roster into Super Bowl contention on his own, the path to becoming a reliable NFL starter is there. And as Purdy has shown, sometimes that is more than enough.
