2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ty Simpson (QB – Alabama)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ty Simpson

Ty Simpson (QB – Alabama)

6’2″ – 208 lbs.

Background

Five-star recruit out of Tennessee who redshirted his freshman year after throwing five passes, and spent the next two seasons as a backup, playing sparingly behind Jalen Milroe before taking over the starting job this past year. Over fifteen starts, posted 3,567 yards (64.5%, 7.5 YPA), 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions through the air, going 11-4. Father Jason coaches the UT Martin football team.

Positives

Stepped right into the starting role this past year, being named a team captain and putting together an impressive season. Pass-first quarterback who climbs the pocket effectively or roll out/pirouette to buy time against pressure, doing a nice job of keeping his eyes downfield and resetting his feet. Sets up and gets the ball out quickly in the short game, establishing a smooth rhythm on screens and run-pass option concepts. Was asked to work through full-field progressions. Effective, poised decision-maker who protects the football without leaving a lot of meat on the bone, and who shows good patience to work through reads. Overall throwing mechanics look very good. Generally plays with a solid base and transfers weight well into throws to drive the ball when needed. Has a high release point and a quick release. Throws a very catchable ball, with very good placement and touch; knows when take something off and when to rip it. Puts enough juice on pro-style throws out toward the sidelines or into tight windows, and shows the confidence to make those throws. Gets plenty of air under his deep balls, and can drop some anticipation-style throws into buckets down the field. Shows the ability to make throws while rolling to his right, whether by design or not. Certainly more of a pocket passer by temperament, but is athletic enough to pick up the occasional first-down on the ground by himself.

Negatives

Has only one season of starting experience under his belt. Size is closer to adequate for the position, and measurements could be somewhat important. Can occasionally see him clicking his heels a bit as he resets. Overall arm strength is certainly at least adequate, but not exceptional; more of a smooth distributor than a flamethrower. Was often working from a clean pocket, and risk appetite under pressure can be a bit higher than you’d like. Shows some minor tendencies to stare down targets. A few of his screens and shorter throws seemed to die a bit as they arrived. Reasonably athletic but wasn’t really used on designed runs.

Summary

May have only one season of starting experience under his belt, but don’t let that fool you: this is one of the more polished, pro-style quarterbacks in recent memory. Aside from elite tools, offers pretty much everything teams look for, with high marks in processing, composure, decision-making, mechanics, release, touch, and accuracy. Consequently, looks to be firmly in the first-round mix, likely as the second quarterback off the board, and could be headed for a starting role as a rookie.

Projection: Round 1