The New York Jets, picking at second overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, are likely to miss out on top quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza.
It's an unfortunate situation for the Jets, as they have a dire need at the position, and the rest of the QB class is very suspect. But, a few days after the regular season came to a close, the Jets got some major news on the draft class.
According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. The junior quarterback is going pro, and giving the Jets a potential option at number 2 overall in the draft.
Jets get big news on Ty Simpson for NFL Draft
"Sources: Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is turning pro," Thamel reports. "He just informed Alabama coaches of his decision."
Amid a weak quarterback class, the Alabama quarterback, who's made just 15 collegiate starts, will now head to the NFL as one of the top quarterbacks of a weaker class.
This season for Alabama, Simpson threw for 2,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a QBR of 76. All of those marks ranked no less than 20th in the country, with his yards and touchdown total being 10th in the nation.
He's played a bit in his Alabama career dating back to 2022, but this season was his first actually getting the full starting job. While Alabama won a round in the College Football Playoffs, they were blown out by Indiana in the second round, 38-3.
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Simpson struggled in that game, going 12-of-16 for just 67 yards with no touchdowns. He's not the best prospect, but compared to the rest of the field after Mendoza, he's likely the second-best quarterback in the draft class.
But another issue for Simpson is that he's not a clear instant starter. Sitting him behind a veteran to learn for a year might be the best option, especially since he has not played much at the college level before declaring for the NFL Draft.
While the Jets might not go Simpson, as they're holding out hope for Oregon's Dante Moore to declare, the Alabama quarterback is currently their best option at QB in the upcoming draft, assuming the Las Vegas Raiders take Mendoza first overall.
Simpson declaring for the NFL Draft is big news for the Jets, as it gives them a potential quarterback option to consider at second overall. Even if they don't take him, he's at least giving the Jets more options to consider.
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