The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching fast and league scouts are solidifying their big boards. Quarterback Ty Simpson could be among the players who hear their name called early in Pittsburgh this week when the NFL welcomes its newest class of rookies.
USA TODAY Sports has all the latest on where the prospect out of Alabama may land.
Here's how USA TODAY's latest mock draft currently projects draft day will play out for the former college star.
Could Arizona be the team that comes up for the highly-scrutinized Bama quarterback, though Simpson is still widely-regarded as this drafts clear-cut No. 2 passer? It could make sense given veteran Jacoby Brissett remains in place as an ideal bridge option, and the weapons are fairly plentiful when you've got the league's best receiving tight end (Trey McBride) and a solid group of backs and receivers ? And that's potentially an understatement if Marvin Harrison Jr. blossoms. And for anyone infatuated with the sterling tape Simpson compiled in the first part of last season anyway he could be a steal, especially at a time when clubs are more comfortable pivoting from Round 1 QBs anyway. Though Simpson only started for one season, he did throw (473) and complete (305) more passes than anyone in the SEC last year, so he did pack a fair amount of experience into 2025. Maybe the Cards need to jump the Jets at No. 33 and maybe not. But coming up here from No. 34 probably only costs GM Monti Ossenfort a fourth-rounder while also conferring the fifth-year option that comes with being a first-rounder.
Simpson looked like a potential No. 1 pick at times this season for Alabama, his first as a starter. He's shown a lot of flashes that point to a long-term starter in the NFL thanks to his pocket awareness, accuracy, timing, processing and quick release. He did struggle at times down the stretch for Alabama; four of his five interceptions came in the final six games of 2025 compared to one over his first nine.
Ty Simpson waited his turn. And when the time came for him to be Alabama's starting quarterback, Simpson took the bull by the horns and became the accurate, productive signal caller the Crimson Tide needed him to be. He's a coach's son, one who is incredibly smart both inside and outside of the pocket. Simpson showed ample potential in 15 starts. But it was only 15 starts, some of which showed signs of struggle. If given the right situation, Simpson can develop into a program builder at the next level. It's what he wants. That team may have to be patient, though. -- Colin Gay, Tuscaloosa News
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place between April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
Time: 8 p.m. ET (Round 1); 7 p.m. ET (Rounds 2-3); Noon ET (Rounds 4-7)
Streaming: NFL+; ESPN Unlimited & Select; Fubo
Fans have several options to choose from to watch the 2026 NFL Draft. NFL Network and ESPN will have separate broadcasts, each providing a different analysis of each pick as it happens on draft night.
Cord-cutters can stream the different broadcasts on NFL+, the NFL's proprietary streaming service; ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited, ESPN's streaming services; or cable alternative Fubo , which offers a free trial.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ty Simpson 2026 NFL mock draft: latest prediction for Alabama Quarterback