Ty Simpson’s rise toward the top of the 2026 NFL Draft conversation has been one of the biggest storylines of the college football season. As Alabama continues its push toward another playoff run, Simpson has positioned himself as a likely candidate to be the first quarterback off the board.
But even with his production and consistency, not everyone in the NFL is fully sold. One league executive recently offered a surprisingly critical assessment of the Crimson Tide star, raising questions about how teams may evaluate him in the months ahead as scouts continue to dissect his game and look for any weaknesses.
What an NFL Executive is Saying About Alabama’s Ty Simpson
While Simpson’s on-field performance and leadership have been hard to ignore, the executive’s comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding his physical profile and long-term upside. It’s a familiar storyline for draft prospects who produce at a high level but don’t fit the typical mold.
With Simpson continuing to deliver one of the strongest seasons in the nation, the scrutiny adds another layer to his already compelling draft narrative. It shapes how teams may shape their big boards as the draft approaches.
Despite frequently being projected as the first quarterback selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, one NFL executive is critical of Simpson.
Jeff Howe from The Athletic shared his concerns, “He’s had the best year out of all of (the QB prospects), but he’s not as high up as some of these other guys in terms of physical tools… More power to him. The kid has played his tail off, and he’s throwing the hell out of the ball.”
Compared to other quarterback draft candidates, Simpson stands at 6’2″ and 208 pounds. Comparatively, the average NFL quarterback stands at 6’3″ and weighs about 219 pounds. As it appears, Simpson is slightly under the average height and weight of an NFL quarterback.
The numbers don’t lie. Simpson has started nine games this season and has thrown for 2,461 yards, 21 touchdowns, one interception, and two rushing touchdowns. He has led Alabama to an 8-1 record, placing them second in the Southeastern Conference and ranked fourth in the nation.
READ MORE: PFSN’s 2025 NFL Midseason Awards: Predicting the MVP, DPOY, OPOY, Coach of the Year, and More
Numerous quarterbacks in the NFL succeeded, despite criticism for their physical attributes. For example, Tom Brady, often referred to as the G.O.A.T., was criticized for being too slow. Lamar Jackson was criticized and called a “running back” and not a “quarterback.”
Regardless of his physical attributes, his numbers prove that he is legit and has the potential to be a quality quarterback in the NFL.
